Chris Billam-Smith retains his world title with a points victory over Richard Riakporhe

CHRIS Billam-Smith is still the WBO cruiserweight champion after grinding out a 12-round points decision over Richard Riakporhe. Headlining in Selhurst Park, it wasn’t always pretty, but Chris gained revenge for his 2019 split decision loss to the same man, taking the fight by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice.

“Tempo is the key,” said Sky commentator Matthew Macklin early on. Riakporhe’s jab was also key for him to maintain distance and for Billam-Smith to try and duck underneath to initiate attacks.

The fight became a jab-and-grab affair as Riakporhe struggled with the occasion and allowed Billam-Smith to outwork him. 

The champion grew in confidence around the seventh and eighth rounds as the desperation between Riakporhe in the ring and Angel Fernandez in the corner became more apparent. The challenger responded by landing some heavy shots in round nine.

Richard landed another strong right in the 11th that Billam-Smith ate up and kept on grating forward. Riakporhe was deducted a point in the final round for persistent use of the head. Aside from the revelation of two ridiculously close scorecards, the fight was surely beyond him by this point.

Billam-Smith got the range spot on and credit goes to him and trainer Shane McGuigan for devising and implementing such an effective strategy.

Like so many world title challengers before him, Riakporhe will surely look at himself in the Sunday morning mirror and harbour regrets over his performance.

Chris Billam-Smith spoke afterwards on what he felt was the difference: “Experience, the speed, the game plan, Shane’s a master, the best coach in the world,” he said.

“Take me Stateside,” Billam-Smith continued as he called for a Vegas fight, mentioning the name of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who defeated Arsen Goulamirian in March to win the WBA title.

“When his back is against the wall, that’s when you see the best Chris Billam-Smith,” added trainer Shane McGuigan. “He won the fight so wide, I was shocked at the scorecards.”

Chris Billam-Smith improved his record to 20-1 (13 KOs), while Riakporhe suffered the first loss of his career, falling to 17-1 (13 KOs).

Earlier in the evening, Ben Whittaker won a lopsided 10-round points decision over Ezra Arenyeka at light-heavyweight. 

Jack Massey won the European and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles by defeating Isaac Chamberlain on points.

Dan Azeez toiled to an eight-round draw with unheralded Croatian Hrvoje Sep.