ON JUNE 15, virtually 5 years after they first engaged within the ring, Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe will rekindle their rivalry. Assembly in London at a press convention to announce the return fixture, every boxer finds himself in a really completely different house.
Nonetheless unbeaten, Riakporhe could also be perceived because the “residence fighter” in Selhurst Park, whereas Billam-Smith has ascended to the highest stage and can defend the WBO cruiserweight belt he took from Lawrence Okolie final Might.
Whereas Billam-Smith’s in-ring enhancements have led to world title glory, Riakporhe reckons he solely sees deterioration in a champion who takes too many photographs.
“Chris is a good fighter and he’s powerful but when I wish to be identified for any attribute, I don’t simply wish to be identified for being a tricky man. Robust guys undergo within the sport of boxing. CBS has taken loads of injury,” he mentioned.
Sensing that prime desk nerves led to the champion’s spiky interruptions throughout query time, Riakporhe is already trying to find a psychological edge.
“He was reducing me quick lots with out listening to what I needed to say,” shrugged the person who describes himself as a traditional man dwelling his dream.
“This battle is essential to me as a result of there’s legacy on the road. There’s an opportunity for me to cement my identify in historical past, within the books with all the opposite nice fighters of my division. Chris has already executed it so now I really feel prefer it’s my time. Each canine has its day.”
Declining the chance to overcomplicate issues or envision outcomes, Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs) vowed to make use of his mind and search for alternatives as he makes an attempt to recreate the scenes of their first battle, which resulted in a 10-round cut up choice win on the Dillian Whyte-Oscar Rivas undercard.
That bout occurred on the O2 Area and Chris has launched into a 10-fight successful streak since. Whereas Billam-Smith had been hoping to safe a return to the house comforts of Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium, he holds the belt and can journey to defend it.
The 33-year-old insisted that his press convention ripostes had been a easy case of mentioning Riakporhe’s shortcomings. Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) additionally conceded that Riakporhe had the sting in punch energy and that he had seen enhancements in his opponent since their first battle.
“He’s calmer, extra affected person and he’s a bit bit neater,” mentioned the champion.
“Don’t decide me on the primary battle. Okolie discovered that I’ve made adjustments and Riakporhe will discover out the identical.
“It’s not private for me. It’s good to avenge a loss. That’s all that issues. I simply wish to field and beat each man I’ve ever confronted, and now I’ve the chance to avenge that loss.”
Reducing quick the chatter, Riakporhe’s reply went straight to the purpose: “Once I throw my fingers, the battle is completed. Prepare, the midnight practice is coming,” he concluded.
