CHRIS Billam-Smith remains the WBO cruiserweight champion after winning a 12-point decision over Richard Riakporhe. Featured at Selhurst Park, it wasn’t always pretty, but Chris avenged his 2019 split decision loss to the same man, twice winning 116-111 and 115-112.
“Speed is key,” Sky commentator Matthew Macklin said early on. Riakporhe’s jab is also key for him to maintain distance and for Billam-Smith to try to duck underneath to initiate attacks.
The fight became a tug of war as Riakporhe struggled to get the better of him and allowed Billam-Smith to get the better of him.
The champion grew in confidence in the seventh and eighth rounds as the desperation between Riakporhe in the ring and Angel Fernandez in the corner became increasingly apparent. The challenger responded by landing some strong shots in round nine.
Richard landed another strong right in round 11 which Billam-Smith ate up and continued to move forward. Riakporhe had one point deducted in the final round for repeatedly using his head. Aside from the revelation of two ridiculously close scorecards, the fight was certainly more than he could handle at this point.
Billam-Smith took the spot in range and credit to himself and coach Shane McGuigan for devising and executing such an effective strategy.
Like so many world title challengers before him, Riakporhe will no doubt look at himself in the mirror on Sunday morning and harbor regrets about his performance.
Chris Billam-Smith later spoke about what he felt was the difference: “The experience, the pace, the game plan, Shane is a master, the best coach in the world,” he said .
“Take me Stateside,” Billam-Smith continued as he called for a fight in Vegas, mentioning the name of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who defeated Arsen Goulamirian in March to win the WBA title.
Coach Shane McGuigan added: “When his back is against the wall, that’s when you see Chris Billam-Smith at his best. “He won the match so wide, I was shocked when I looked at the scoreboard.”
Chris Billam-Smith improved his record to 20-1 (13 KOs), while Riakporhe suffered the first loss of his career, dropping to 17-1 (13 KOs).
Earlier in the evening, Ben Whittaker won a 10-round decision over Ezra Arenyeka in the light-heavyweight division.
Jack Massey won the European and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles defeating Isaac Chamberlain on points.
Dan Azeez struggled to an eight-round draw with Croatia Hrvoje Sep.
