Chris Billam-Smith has the chance to avenge the only defeat on his CV on Saturday as he defends his WBO world cruiserweight crown against the big-hitting Richard Riakporhe.
Riakporhe claimed a split decision win when these two British stars first met in 2019 but Billam-Smith has raised his game in the intervening years and revenge could be on the cards at Selhurst Park.
- CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH TO WIN
- CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH TO WIN ON POINTS
Billam-Smith Ready For Redemption
When Billam-Smith and Riakporhe first faced off in 2019, both men had compiled 9-0 records but it was the latter who was the more experienced fighter.
Riakporhe turned professional in 2016, a year before Billam-Smith made his debut, and he was making the second defence of his WBA inter-continental cruiserweight belt.
That was Billam-Smith’s first title fight but the roles have been reversed ahead of this rematch five years later. Riakporhe was inactive for a two year period and has fought seven times since, keeping his unbeaten record intact against limited opponents.
The Gentleman went on to win British and European titles before ending Laurence Okolie’s reign as WBO cruiserweight champion and has successfully defended his title once.
In the first fight, the knockdown perhaps proved decisive as Billam-Smith was still awarded the win by one of the three judges on the night. There is no denying Riakporhe carriers more power as 13 of his 17 wins have come inside the distance, including each of his last five, giving him a knockout rate of 76% to Billam-Smith’s 68%, but in terms of experience and arguably skill set it is Billam-Smith who has the edge.
The defending champion is susceptible to the occasional lapse in concentration and as such he does take a bit of punishment, but he is also an incredibly tough and durable fighter so could potentially survive the odd scare at Selhurst Park.
Riakporhe has impressed in his recent bouts but they have all been against lesser opposition and this looks a big step up from the level he’s been campaigning at. In contrast, CBS has been involved in these huge nights previously and has that world title fight experience. This bout is likely to be incredibly close and Riakporhe’s undeniable power makes it a 50-50 event, which is why it makes sense to side with Billam-Smith as a big-price underdog.
Stoppage Looks Unlikely
Billam-Smith has won three of his last five inside the distance but may have to settle for a win on points over Riakporhe.
The challenger is an unbeaten fighter and has only been knocked down once in a 17-fight career, and that knockdown came back in 2018 when he had been a professional for less than two years.
Billam-Smith’s awkward style and the way he applies pressure should see him come away with a win, but this should be a competitive affair and Riakporhe can reach the final bell.
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH TO WIN ON POINTS
