Chris Billam-Smith denied Richard Riakporhe a dream homecoming as he beat his British rival by unanimous determination to enact revenge and efficiently defend his WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park.Â
The reigning champion delivered a calculated, managed efficiency to nullify the ability of his opponent and spoil the Riakporhe celebration on the dwelling of Crystal Palace.
It was not solely a title defence however candy payback for ‘The Gentleman’, who 5 years earlier had suffered the one defeat of his profession to Riakporhe in a good break up determination. This time, he left little doubt, taking it 116-111, 115-112, 115-112 on the playing cards.
A outstanding speaking level through the build-up to the battle had been which of the 2 had improved extra since their first outing, Billam-Smith adamant he had grown into a very completely different competitor since 2019. Riakporhe realized how proper he was.
“Very satisfying,” he mentioned. “I am actually happy with the efficiency.
“Experience, speed and the gameplan” made the distinction, he defined.
“Forget all the build-up,” he continued. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Richard he’s a great fighter, he just needed a little bit more experience and he’ll learn from that.”
Riakporhe reduce a composed determine amid the chaos as he labored behind his jab through the early exchanges whereas discovering his vary with two harmful wanting proper fingers, the noise of which might immediate gasps from the anticipant crowd.
Billam-Smith settled into his personal rhythm within the second spherical with a primary actual flurry to pressure Riakporhe into tying him up on the ropes, which quickly turned an early theme because the pair continued to search out themselves tangled on the within.
Billam-Smith celebrates after retaining his title
A mis-timed proper hand from Riakporhe served as a warning because it threatened a gap for Billam-Smith, whose right-hand reply was evaded.
Riakporhe underlined his energy with a agency left hook as the 2 backed onto the ropes, the battle falling right into a barely ugly stagnant section with neither man in a position to unlock a significant mixture.
The conflict of attrition moved into the fourth when the 2 traded brutal physique photographs, earlier than Billam-Smith reminded of his toughness whereas brushing by means of a proper hook.
Billam-Smith started to land the clear photographs behind a sharper jab whereas Riakporhe appeared the extra hesitant of the 2, seemingly in wait of 1 decisive shot to breach his opponent’s championed grit.
By spherical seven it was Billam-Smith firmly in management because the busier, extra correct fighter with Riakporhe starting to look annoyed with how the competition had been panning out for him as one other supposed assault within the nook got here up shy.
Billam-Smith strengthened his grip on the battle within the eighth when he unleashed a hook to rock Riakporhe, who was left hanging over the nook of the ring. ‘The Midnight Practice’ sought to reply with an enormous proper hand, solely to once more be reminded of Billam-Smith’s granite chin.
Figuring out he was behind, Riakporhe started to let his fingers go within the closing rounds and linked with a crushing proper solely to see his momentum stalled by an unintended low blow from the challenger.
Champion’s expertise quickly instructed as Billam-Smith closed out what could be deemed a career-best efficiency with two scientific last rounds, as a lot being sealed for good when Riakporhe was deducted some extent for the usage of his head in a clench.
