Chris Billam-Smith v Richard Riakporhe odds: 'The Gentleman' 7/4 to avenge defeat as cruiserweight rivals get set for rematch

Mark Mothershaw Updated: 11 Jun 24 10:38

Domestic rivals Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe will reacquaint themselves for a second time in London this summer as Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park plays host to a mammoth WBO cruiserweight title showdown.

Defending champion Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) will be looking to avenge his only career defeat when he makes the second defence of his prized world title against big punching South Londoner, and lifelong Eagles fan, Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs) as part of BOXXER's huge June fight card.

‘The Gentleman’, who is the underdog to overcome his foe in the capital, captured his cruiserweight title in sensational fashion last year, sending stablemate Lawrence Okolie to the canvas three times en-route to a sensational decision victory on a memorable night at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium.

Speculation has been rife as to who CBS would take on next after stopping Mateusz Masternak last time out, but there has only been one fighter on his wish list; that being the only man to have ever beaten him within the professional ranks, Richard Riakporhe.

"I'm looking forward to giving the Bournemouth fans an away day to remember with an explosive performance," Billam-Smith said after the fight was announced.

"Richard is a good fighter, but I've improved hugely since we last met. Make no mistake about it, the WBO title is coming back down to the South Coast with me!"

Riakporhe meanwhile, the odds-on favourite, will get his long-awaited shot at world honours in front of his fellow ‘Eagles’ as the Crystal Palace fan fights on home soil for the first time.

The Midnight Train’, who edged Billam-Smith via a split-decision when the pair first squared off at the O2 Arena in July 2019, is convinced that the outcome will be even more emphatic this time around.

"I can’t wait to knock Chris out and take his title," he said. "I’ve beaten him once and I’m ready to do it again, only this time it’s not going to the judges.

"He’s going to be out cold on the canvas and the world title is going to be staying in South London.

"My time has come - The countdown is on. I’m the runaway ‘Midnight Train’ that you cannot stop and it’s the end of the line for Chris Billam-Smith."

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom added: “We’re delighted to be working with Steve Parish and the team at Crystal Palace to deliver a historic night of boxing at Selhurst Park as part of the stadium’s 100-year celebrations.

"Chris Billam-Smith has huge support on the south coast, and we expect the Bournemouth faithful to travel in huge numbers to support him as he puts his WBO world title on the line against the only man to beat him.

"It’s a dream come true for Richard Riakporhe as he gets his world title shot in front of his fellow Crystal Palace fans, and with more big fight announcements to follow, this is the British Boxing event not to be missed this summer."