Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe exchange angry words ahead of rematch
WBO world cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13KO) and his only conqueror Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13KO) were brought together last weekend at the Buatsi-Azeez event in Wembley to discuss their upcoming fight.
The long-standing rivals, who first met in the ring in 2019, have signed to fight each on other in a highly anticipated rematch at either Selhurst Park in London or Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.
Ahead of their return fixture, they were placed within touching distance of each other when ringside at the Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez fight night in the OVO Arena, which JB won via unanimous decision.
CBS shared his excitement at being given the chance to defend his WBO bauble against the only man to beat him in the pros, when asked live on Sky Sports, “It’s a fight that everyone has been calling for, it’s nearly happened a couple of times prior to this, but now we’ve got it on and I’m so excited.
“I mean, you always want to fight someone who has a win over you. I always said it wouldn’t define my career and I think I’ve proven that since, but now I get a chance to put it right so I’m gonna take that with both hands.”
The 33-year-old “Gentleman” lost on a split decision to the Londoner in July 2019 when both unbeaten prospects were 9-0.
When 34-year-old Riakporhe was asked if he could see how to beat his old opponent, he answered, “I’ve always believed in myself, I don’t like to kind of watch previous fights. Styles make fights and he could have had an off day. Me, I just believe in myself and I know what I’m capable of, so it’s more about me than Chris.”
Billam-Smith went on to win the WBO World cruiserweight title from his former teammate Lawrence Okolie last May, then defended it successfully in December. He’s now on a 10-fight winning streak since his reversal to Riakporhe over four years ago.
He spoke about how much he has improved since their first fight, “I know where I’m at now. The first fight was razor close and that was at 10 per cent of where I’m at now. Richard has improved but he hasn’t improved anywhere near what I have.”
This instantly angered his foe, who snapped back, “What are you talking about? You’re saying I haven’t improved?”
CBS tried to correct him on his statement, but Riakporhe was quick call him “deluded”.
He then continued his rant to say, “You’re going to see anyway. You’re gonna see whose improved.”
The WBO champion gave as good as he got and revealed, “It took you three times to sign it [the fight contract], I had to go and win a world title, you have to avoid a world title.”
Riakporhe ended the heated exchange by telling the titlist, “The truth is your time is done, I’m taking everything from you.”
The fight date hasn’t yet been set and the location could either be South London or the South Coast. The only guarantee is that these 200-pounders, who fought such a tight contest close to five years ago, will meet each other next in another fantastic domestic dust-up and fine advert for British boxing.