WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith displayed a disciplined performance at Selhurst Park in London on Saturday night, earning himself a unanimous decision victory against Richard Riakporhe. Billam-Smith, a seasoned fighter at football stadiums, had previously won his title against Lawrence Okolie at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium, the home venue for Premier League team Bournemouth. This fight held more significance as Riakporhe was the only one to have defeated Billam-Smith professionally, back in 2019. Leading up to the match, there were arguments about Billam-Smith’s supposed decline, which the champion was eager to dismiss.
The early rounds saw Billam-Smith appearing to take the lead, but both fighters were capable of delivering heavy blows. While the champion seemed to be in control, he managed to stun Riakporhe with a heavy right hook, only to be momentarily shaken by a blow from his opponent’s left in the eighth round. Both fighters started to show signs of wear and tear, leaving them vulnerable as they headed into the later rounds. The tide shifted in the next round as Riakporhe had Billam-Smith on the ropes, but the champion fought back with a flurry of blows, ending the round on a strong note.
As the fight progressed, both men showed determination and pushed through fatigue. Billam-Smith’s performance was strong enough to secure a clear unanimous victory, with judges scoring the fight 116-111, 115-112, and 115-112 in his favor. With this win, Billam-Smith now has his eyes set on potential unification fights in the near future. There are three potential matchups that could entice him back into the ring, including bouts against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, Norair Mikaeljan, and Jai Opetaia, who hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF cruiserweight titles respectively.
Following his victory, Billam-Smith expressed his satisfaction with his performance, attributing his success to his experience, speed, and game plan. Additionally, the return of undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk to the division could present an exciting opportunity for the cruiserweight division.
In the earlier fights of the evening, light heavyweight Ben Whittaker showcased his skills by securing a unanimous decision victory over Ezra Arenyeka to claim his first title. Whittaker clinched the vacant WBA Gold light heavyweight championship, opening up opportunities for high-profile matchups in the 175lb division in the future. The division’s undisputed status will be determined in October when Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev face off, potentially paving the way for new challengers to compete for the belts.
In conclusion, Billam-Smith’s impressive performance at Selhurst Park solidified his status as a top cruiserweight contender, with potential exciting matchups on the horizon. Whittaker’s victory also marked a significant milestone in his career, setting the stage for future opportunities in the light heavyweight division. As the boxing world continues to evolve, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and title bouts that will shape the future of the sport.
