The highly anticipated WBO cruiserweight championship rematch between defending champion Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe did not live up to the expectations of fans in London. Despite the five-year buildup since their last encounter, the fight was marred by excessive holding, mauling, and rough tactics. The referee had his hands full trying to control the two fighters and issued warnings throughout the bout. Riakporhe, who had previously defeated Billam-Smith in a decision victory, was unable to replicate his success as Billam-Smith showcased his growth as a fighter.
Described by some as “an intense chess match,” the fight between Billam-Smith and Riakporhe failed to deliver the explosive action that was anticipated. While Riakporhe landed some powerful right hands, Billam-Smith’s durability and work rate allowed him to outbox his opponent. The defending champion maintained a busier pace throughout the fight, frustrating Riakporhe’s attempts to mount any significant offense. Despite Riakporhe being docked a point in the final round for excessive use of his head, the outcome of the fight was already determined in Billam-Smith’s favor.
With his victory over Riakporhe, Chris Billam-Smith has solidified his position as the WBO cruiserweight champion. While he may not be the most exciting fighter in the division, Billam-Smith has proven himself to be a formidable opponent. Looking ahead, there are promising unification fights on the horizon for the reigning champion, including matchups against Jai Opetai, Gilberto Ramirez, and Noel Mikaelian. As Billam-Smith continues to defend his title, his growth as a world champion is evident, paving the way for potentially lucrative and high-profile bouts in the future.
On the other hand, Richard Riakporhe’s defeat means he will need to regroup and strategize his path back to title contention. With his first loss as a professional boxer, Riakporhe faces the challenge of rebuilding his momentum and securing another opportunity at a world title. The setback against Billam-Smith serves as a learning experience for Riakporhe, highlighting areas for improvement and adjustments in his approach to future fights. While the road to redemption may be long, Riakporhe’s determination and resilience will play a key role in his journey back to championship contention.
The rematch between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe may not have been the thrilling showdown fans had hoped for, but it shed light on the growth and potential of the defending champion. As Billam-Smith looks towards unification fights and further title defenses, Riakporhe will need to refocus and rebuild his career in pursuit of a second world title shot.