CHRIS Billam-Smith remains to be the WBO cruiserweight champion after grinding out a 12-round factors determination over Richard Riakporhe. Headlining in Selhurst Park, it wasn’t at all times fairly, however Chris gained revenge for his 2019 cut up determination loss to the identical man, taking the combat by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice.
“Tempo is the important thing,” mentioned Sky commentator Matthew Macklin early on. Riakporhe’s jab was additionally key for him to keep up distance and for Billam-Smith to try to duck beneath to provoke assaults.
The combat grew to become a jab-and-grab affair as Riakporhe struggled with the event and allowed Billam-Smith to outwork him.
The champion grew in confidence across the seventh and eighth rounds because the desperation between Riakporhe within the ring and Angel Fernandez within the nook grew to become extra obvious. The challenger responded by touchdown some heavy pictures in spherical 9.
Richard landed one other robust proper within the eleventh that Billam-Smith ate up and stored on grating ahead. Riakporhe was deducted some extent within the remaining spherical for persistent use of the top. Other than the revelation of two ridiculously shut scorecards, the combat was certainly past him by this level.
Billam-Smith received the vary spot on and credit score goes to him and coach Shane McGuigan for devising and implementing such an efficient technique.
Like so many world title challengers earlier than him, Riakporhe will certainly take a look at himself within the Sunday morning mirror and harbour regrets over his efficiency.
Chris Billam-Smith spoke afterwards on what he felt was the distinction: “Expertise, the velocity, the sport plan, Shane’s a grasp, one of the best coach on this planet,” he mentioned.
“Take me Stateside,” Billam-Smith continued as he referred to as for a Vegas combat, mentioning the identify of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who defeated Arsen Goulamirian in March to win the WBA title.
“When his again is in opposition to the wall, that’s while you see one of the best Chris Billam-Smith,” added coach Shane McGuigan. “He received the combat so huge, I used to be shocked on the scorecards.”
Chris Billam-Smith improved his report to 20-1 (13 KOs), whereas Riakporhe suffered the primary lack of his profession, falling to 17-1 (13 KOs).
Earlier within the night, Ben Whittaker received a lopsided 10-round factors determination over Ezra Arenyeka at light-heavyweight.
Jack Massey received the European and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles by defeating Isaac Chamberlain on factors.
Dan Azeez toiled to an eight-round draw with unheralded Croatian Hrvoje Sep.
