Boxing

Billiam-Smith to face Riakporhe in second title defence

WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billiam-Smith, 19-1 (13 KOs), is set to defend his title when he goes up against Richard Riakporhe, 17-0 (13 KOs), in June. Billiam-Smith had a successful title defense back in December when he defeated Mateusz Masternak in the eighth round of their bout. Now, he is ready for a second title defense, and it would be in the hands of someone he has met before. 

The two first met in 2019, and Riakporhe, then the WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title holder, went home to be the victor after winning via split decision. Many fights and five years later, we would see the two slug it out again, and this time, the WBO title is on the line.

The loss to Riakporhe is Billiam-Smith’s only career defeat to this day. However, he believes he has come a long way since then and will win the fixture the next they see. Speaking about it, he said: “Richard is a good fighter, but I’ve improved hugely since we last met, and he’s going to be in for a terrible night at Selhurst Park. The WBO belt is coming back with me to Bournemouth.” 

Quite a bold claim to make, but it looks like something the champion can back up. He’s had a wonderful career since the loss, leading him to defeat Lawrence Okolie last May for the WBO cruiserweight title. 

But Riakporhe is also a boxer anyone would be wary of. With no losses from 17 fights, he’s one of the best in the cruiserweight division and has everything but the title, which makes the fight in June very special as it would give him the chance to get something he has wanted for most of his career. 

As he remarked: “My time has come. The countdown is on. I’m the runaway’ Midnight Train’ that you cannot stop, and it’s the end of the line for Chris Billam-Smith. I can’t wait to knock Chris out and take his title. I’ve beaten him once, and I’m ready to do it again. This time, it’s not going to the judges. He’s going to be out cold on the canvas, and the world title is going to be staying in South London.”

Undoubtedly one of the biggest fixtures in the cruiserweight title this year, the outcome of the Billiam-Smith vs. Riakporhe bout will shake things up in the division.

Leon Osamor 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Valencia pleads with La Liga for postponement of game against Real Madrid

Valencia have pleaded with the La Liga authorities to postpone its match with Real Madrid… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dubois gets permission to face new challenger

Daniel Dubois has been given the go-ahead from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to fight… Read More

October 31, 2024

Manchester United faces a brick wall ahead of Amorim’s appointment

Manchester United has seen their attempt to appoint Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor… Read More

October 31, 2024

Randal Kolo Muani set to leave PSG

Reports have emanated from France that Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris Saint-Germain for as… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl drums support for Nuri Sahin despite early season woes

Nuri Sahin has come under fire after Borussia Dortmund's start this term, but has received… Read More

October 31, 2024

Chet Holmgren Shines as Thunder Defeat Spurs, Besting Rival Victor Wembanyama

In an early showdown between two of the NBA’s most promising young big men, Chet… Read More

October 31, 2024