Johnny Nelson: “Richard Riakporhe needs a career-best performance to beat Chris Billam-Smith”
Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson MBE has told BetVictor Riakporhe (17-0, 13KO) can steal belt from Billam-Smith (19-1, 13KO) on June 15.
Mid-June, WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith defends his belt against fellow Brit Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.
Despite Riakporhe, 34, having previously beaten Billam-Smith, 33, in their WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title fight in July 2019, Nelson thinks the Londoner needs a career-best performance to claim his first world title.
“Richard Riakporhe is the only person to have beaten Chris Billam-Smith,” Nelson begun.
“Billam-Smith lost to Riakporhe five years ago – both fighters have matured since then.
“Richard is still trying to get that golden fleece, a first world title. He’s now facing a man who he’s boxed already. There is a fear of him being complacent, thinking ‘I’ve got your number’.
“Richard needs to turn it on. He needs a career-best performance. If he doesn’t, Chris will grow in confidence. It’s going to be a great fight.”
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom agrees that it’s set up to be a fantastic fight for fans, “One of the fights of the year particular 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.”