Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe 2 – Will it be repeat or revenge?
‘The Gentleman’ Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13KO) will defend his WBO World cruiserweight title to newest challenger Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (17-0, 13KO) on Saturday, June 15 at Selhurst Park in London.The highly-anticipated rematch, promoted by BOXXER, will be broadcast like on Sky Sports in the UK.
These British cruiserweights have met in the ring once before, almost a full five years ago in 2019, when they were both up-and-coming 9-0 prospects, and it was Riakporhe who had his hand raised on a split decision after 10 extremely close rounds.
Here’s what BBN’s panel of experts say:
Luke Campbell Olympic champion & world title contender: “I think this will be a great fight, for the first fight was a very good fight as well. I think both guys are great, good for boxing, but Chris is my bro.
“I think Chris now is a different fighter to what he was when they first fought, I’m sure Riakporhe is as well.
“But from where Chris was in the first fight to where he is now is a bigger difference and he’s fought better opponents.
“I wish them both well. May they come out the ring healthy and happy, but I’m going with Chris to win with a mid-round KO or for Chris to win points.”
Steve Wood VIP Promotions: “Billam Smith has improved and his professional approach to his job has brought great rewards. Seems a real nice guy and pleased for him , however on this one I can see him losing this one as I feel Riakporhe is just a level too much for him.”
Wayne Alexander British, European & World champion: “CBS vs Riakporhe will be another hard fought contest, like their first fight, both have improved since but more so CBS as he has been the more active since that contest.
“I think this fight comes down to who is the more durable, I feel that Richard is the more durable of the two and hits a fair bit harder and will probably get a mid to late round stoppage, but the further the fight goes, the more chance CBS has.”
Spencer Oliver European champion: “Both guys have had unbelievable careers since 2019 when they boxed before.
“Chris Billam-Smith has had 10 unbeaten fights, won the WBO cruiserweight title and Richard Riakporhe has taken a slightly different path and got himself into that mandatory position.
“But he’s had seven unbeaten fights too and has grown as a fighter. He’s now got belief and confidence in his own ability.
“Billam-Smith has had a tough few fights and that takes a toll on the body as well. He’s shown that he’s got a great champion mentality and he can pull through and weather those storms.
“For me, Riakporhe just edges it. He has beaten Billam-Smith before and knows he can do it once again.”
Ace Adam Unbeaten light-heavyweight: “I respect both men for stepping into the ring and putting their lives on the line for our entertainment. Both fighters have shown significant improvement.
“I have immense respect for Chris, who has rebuilt his boxing career and is now a world champion. Big respect to him.
“Richard, too, has shown great progress. His performances demonstrate that he is more than just a powerhouse; he has many facets to his game and continues to get better.
“For this fight, I’m predicting Richard will stop Chris late in the match.”
Tino Bellot Amateur champion: “I think this will be a really close fight, being separated by the smallest margins.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have sparred the both of them on multiple occasions and they’ve both got their strengths and weaknesses.
“I’m favouring CBS for this one, because of his relentlessness, ability to stick to a game plan and having one of the best trainers in the world in his corner in Shane McGuigan.
“I’m going for a CBS UD, with a knockdown or two in the fight for either one.”
Arijan Goricki IBO title contender: “My prediction is Riakporhe by TKO in the middle rounds of the fight.”
Tim Rickson BBN Editor: “Their first fight couldn’t have been any closer, but in this one I can only see Richard Riakporhe winning.
“Billam-Smith has gone to win a world title despite losing that night in 2019, but I feel like he’s due a loss. He starts slow, for me, whereas Riakporhe comes out like a train, hence his nickname.
“CBS is as tough as they come though, so I can’t see him going anywhere early. I’ve got Riakporhe winning by knockout any time after the fourth.”
Ben Shalom BOXXER: “One of the fights of the year, particularly in this country; for world honours as well.
“For Richard it has been a long time coming, he deserves it. We’re glad that he gets his shot but equally Chris Billam-Smith, he’s our first created male world champion.
“He did a huge amount in Bournemouth for us and is someone we are really fond of and we’re very proud of what he has achieved.
“But it’s a rematch, there is history and a lot of bad blood. It’s a 50-50 fight and the key is we’ll see who has improved the most.
“With Richard, his improvements have been undeniable. He’s a cultured fighter now, who can pick his shots and end a fight.
“With Chris Billam-Smith he has been fighting at world level for a while now and that might be the difference but we’re delighted they will get it on.”
Sam Condy BBN Writer: “Chris Billam Smith will be hoping to get revenge over Riakporhe the second time around, and I’m sure the fans will be in for a treat when they finally lock horns next weekend.
“While Billam-Smith has had a fantastic last couple of years in the ring, proving he has more than earned his champion status, Riakporhe is also on an exceptional win streak, stopping all five of his recent opponents within the distance.
“I think Riakporhe certainly brings danger for Billam-Smith, and the champion must be wary of the challenger’s knockout power throughout the fight.
“Both men have the gas tank to go the distance, however, I feel this will bode well for Riakporhe who will still have enough left in the tank to throw devastating shots as both men begin to tire.
“Billam-Smith will have to pull on his experience to stay out of danger, though, I don’t think it will be enough and I envision a late stoppage win for Riakporhe.”
