CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH is back in a big stadium TONIGHT as he faces Richard Riakporhe in a huge all-British world title fight in the capital.
“The Gentleman” won the WBO cruiserweight title in the summer of 2023 when he beat former stablemate Lawrence Okolie at his beloved AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
1
Now he’s going into away territory as he defends his title against Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
Riakporhe has already beaten Billam-Smith before on points, in 2019 at the O2 Arena on a Dillian Whyte undercard.
Their first fight was an even one but Riakporhe scored a pivotal knockdown to clinch the win.
After the clash, Billam-Smith said: “The knockdown I do not believe was a knockdown.
“I was on the rope. It wasn’t a knockdown.”
Five years on and it’s Billam-Smith who is world champion while Riakporhe has struggled to land the opportunity he craves.
When is Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe?
- Billam-Smith’s huge rematch against Riakporhe will take place tonight – Saturday, June 15.
- The fight will take place at Crystal Palace FC’s stadium Selhurst Park.
- Ring-walks for the main event can be expected at around 10.30pm BST.
- The main card will get underway from 7pm BST.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe will be shown live on Sky Sports Arena in the UK.
- You can live stream the action on the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe card
- Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe; For Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title
- Isaac Chamberlain vs. Jack Massey
- Ben Whittaker vs. Ezra Arenyeka
- Dan Azeez vs. Hrvoje Sep
- Francesca Hennessy vs. Dorota Norek
- Deevorn Miller vs. Edwin Mosquera
- Mitchell Frearson vs. TBA
