Chris Billam-Smith Shines at Selhurst Park With Dominant Display

On Saturday, June 15, at Selhurst Park in London, England, Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) produced a dominant display, as he defeated Richard Riakporhe (17-1, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision in their highly anticipated rematch, retaining his WBO cruiserweight title, live on Sky Sports in the UK, with U.S. fight fans catching the action on Peacock.

Chris Billam-Smith Defeats Richard Riakporhe by Unanimous Decision

Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe Recap

The opening round was mostly cagey, with Riakporhe’s jab the highlight. Billam-Smith was the aggressor, but the London fighter controlled the distance well. The following two rounds were close and scrappy, with Riakporhe warned for leading with his head. The challenger seemed to stop throwing his effective jab, and Billam-Smith was working well on the inside and closing the distance more regularly.

In rounds four and five, Riakporhe worked well in short spurts, but the consistency of Billam-Smith gave him the edge. In round six, the champion looked good, throwing nice combinations and forcing the tempo. It was a messy fight on the inside, but Billam-Smith was outworking the challenger and making him fight his fight. Round eight saw a great left cross-right uppercut combination, which hurt Riakporhe. The champion was in control, and Riakporhe needed to land something big.

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Round nine was by far the best round for the challenger as he landed a flurry of big punches, forcing Billam-Smith back and quickly following up with another big shot, slowing the Bournemouth fighter down. Rounds 10 and 11 saw Riakporhe land some nice single shots, but Billam-Smith closed the distance brilliantly, negating the power of the challenger.

The final round saw Billam-Smith continue to do what he had done the whole fight, working well on the inside and outworking his opponent. When the final bell went, there were joyous celebrations in the Billam-Smith corner with Riakporhe looking dejected. As both fighters gathered in the ring, the scorecards read 116-111, and 115-112×2, giving “The Gentleman” the unanimous decision victory.

Post Fight Quotes

When asked if this was his best performance, Billam-Smith said: “I think so yeah.”

“I like to think I boxed it to a t.”

“The Gentleman” spoke on what the difference was in the fight: “Experience, speed and the gameplan.”

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Reflecting on his opponent’s power, the champion said: “He maybe caught me once with it (his power).“

Billam-Smith was asked what could come next: “Vegas baby. If we can get a Zurdo fight in America, take me stateside, let’s go there.”

Undercard

Ben Whittaker (8-0, 5 KOs) made his way to the ring in style, supported by an orchestra, and “The Surgeon” was precise, as he conducted a clinical performance defeating Ezra Arenyeka (12-1, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBA Gold world light heavyweight. It was a dominant performance from Whittaker and showed he’s a few levels above the brave Arenyeka. The judge’s scorecards read 100-89 and 99-90×2.

Jack Massey (22-2, 12 KOs) defeated Isaac Chamberlain (16-3, 8 KOs) in a close-fought fight, but Massey’s combination punching and good lateral movement saw him win the championship rounds, with the judges scorecards reading 115-113 x2 and 116-112. The victory saw “One Smack” win the Commonwealth and vacant EBU cruiserweight titles.

Dan Azeez (20-1-1, 13 KOs) had a tough and frustrating return to the ring as he battled to a draw against Hrvoje Sep (12-2-1, 9 KOs), with referee Bob Williams scoring the light heavyweight bout 76-76.

The talented Francesca Hennessy (4-0, 1 KO) continued her perfect start to her professional career with an assured display beating Dorota Norek (7-5, 1 KO) in their bantamweight fight, with referee Mark Bates scoring the bout 77-75.

Premlims

Edwin Mosquera (12-5-2, 6 KOs) started brightly and unloaded with some heavy shots before Deevorn Miller (8-1, 6 KOs) landed a right hand, knocking his opponent down, which Mosquera said was a punch to the back of the head. In bizarre circumstances, the Colombian fighter decided he didn’t want to continue, awarding the Greenwich cruiserweight the first-round TKO victory.

Mitchell Frearson (11-1-1, 1 KO) impressed with his shot selection and lateral movement – as he defeated Marco Simmonds (2-2, 0 KOs) in their middleweight bout. The referee, Bob Williams, scored the fight 40-36.

Lewie Pochetty (2-0, 2 KO) won his heavyweight contest against Tobie Vermeire (0-3-1), stopping his opponent in round one with a left hook to the head.