Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe set for summer showdown
The current WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13KOs) has one unchecked box on his glowing resume – Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13KOs).
The two Brits first clashed in 2019, with the fight going the distance and Riakporhe being announced the winner in a split decision.
Billam-Smith has since gone on to reach new heights, claiming the WBO strap in May last year, after 12 gruelling rounds against fellow Brit, Lawrence Okolie.
‘The Gentleman’ has made one defence of his title, in an equally tricky matchup for the champion, facing off against Mateusz Masternak in December.
The 33-year-old looked to be in trouble against the Polish challenger, letting the scorecards run away from him as the fight progressed. However, he eventually found his rhythm, forcing the Masternak to retire due to broken ribs at the end of the seventh.
Despite moving on from his lone defeat and chalking up world honours, his loss to Riakporhe appears to continue to loom over the champion’s head.
Talks of a rematch have been raging on since the beginning of the year. It appears the fight has all but been officially announced, with Riakporhe revealing the fight is being scheduled for June 15.
A few weeks ago it was revealed that terms had been agreed with the WBO surrounding the rematch, with the clash set to take place somewhere in Britain. An official location is yet to be announced.
Riakporhe remains undefeated, with his last five fights all ending well within the distance.
He last laced up against former French Champion Dylan Bregeon, demolishing his opponent within two rounds last November.
The win further cemented the 34-year-old’s position as the WBO’s #1 contender. The Brit will finally have his opportunity to lay claim to the title and prove definitively that he is the top British cruiserweight.