Press Conference Highlights Ahead of Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe on June 15

Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) and Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs) clash in a rematch that has much more on the line than their first meeting.

The two headline a BOXXER card at Selhurst Park in London, England, on June 15. Fight fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on Sky Sports. Those in the United States can do so on Peacock. In the first meeting between the two, Riakporhe won a split decision and will look to emerge victorious once more. Billam-Smith enters the contest as the reigning WBO cruiserweight champion and will be defending the title for the second time.

Ahead of their clash this Saturday, both men spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.

Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe Battle Once More

Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe Press Conference Quotes

Billam-Smith

“Be myself, that’s what I need to do on Saturday, be myself,” said Billam-Smith. “All the experience I’ve had of world championship fights and through camps and being on those big shows, headlining the big shows, just use all that experience and go in there and perform.”

Read More: Inside the Ring Rivalry: Chris Billam-Smith Sends Warning to Rival Cruiserweight

“The experience is everything. The experience I had even before going into that stadium fight where I’d luckily headlined shows back home and had that big occasion which was great experience I needed for going into the world title fight in the stadium. That was key for me. Johnny Nelson said it yesterday, ‘you can’t buy experience, you can’t fake it, you have to experience experience to gain that’ and thankfully I’ve got that.”

“I’m different in so many ways [now as compared to the 2019 fight]. It’s so irrelevant. I almost see it as a different person and almost see myself as like its 20 years ago in boxing terms. It seems that long ago because I’m such a different fighter. It’s been a great journey from then to now and the experience and the growth that I’ve had has been massive.”

Riakporhe

“I’m very excited,” said Riakporhe. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time as you know and I’m just hungry. I’m ready to challenge for this title, take this title and I want to win some more titles.”

“Absolutely [I’m a better fighter now than 2019]. I know my way around the ring now, boxing IQ. I’ve been in a lot of situations in the ring and I’m able to overcome them. It’s giving me a lot more confidence. My team is very professional, training up in Luton University, got the best facilities in the country. Very meticulous team that I’m working with. It’s defintely added to my game. All of those little percents, it adds and you’re going to see when we fight on Saturday.”

Read More: Chris Billam-Smith Defeats Mateusz Masternak in Bruising Fight

“To be honest the win is the most important thing. I’m naturally a power puncher. I look for the knockouts. I don’t want to go 12 rounds, I always want to finish the fight within the distance which is why people have grown to like me all the time. We know how to skin a cat. There’s many different ways.”

Fight Prediction

Both fighters have been clear that they are much better now than in 2019. While Riakporhe has a higher knockout percentage, Billam-Smith has shown time and time again that he has a chin to be reckoned with. The reigning champion also has more experience going the full distance – something that should be beneficial in a fight of this nature. While the odds slightly favour Riakporhe, Big Fight Weekend is predicting a unanimous decision win for Billam-Smith.

Full Press Conference

For the entire press conference featuring Billam-Smith, Riakporhe and other undercard fighters, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Sky Sports Boxing.