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Chris Billam-Smith has agreed to defend his WBO world title against Richard Riakporhe. These cruiserweight rivals traded bitter words at Wembley.
Richard Riakporhe insists Chris Billam-Smith has made a mistake by agreeing to fight him and has vowed to knock his cruiserweight rival out in the first round.
Richard Riakporhe on the prospective world title fight against Chris Billam-Smith: "I plan to knock him out in the first round, I just believe that I have what it takes"; Riakporhe has previously won against world champion Billam-Smith in 2019.
Billam-Smith secured the WBO championship last May after winning against the unbeaten Lawrence Okolie.
Riakporhe is expected to secure his long-awaited shot at the WBO world title later this year.
The two previously fought back in July 2019, when Riakporhe emerged victorious via split decision over 10 rounds to hand Billam-Smith his first and, so far, only career defeat.
"He's got one loss on the record, on his impressive record," Riakporhe told Sky Sports News. "I'm just going to do it again, that's the plan, I need to double that number, that's the aim, that's my goal.
"What makes it so much better and tantalizing is that there's a world title belt on the line. I have the confidence already because I beat him already. But because this world title is on the line, I feel like I'm just ready to go to another place."
Riakporhe promises his fans that they are going to witness greatness now that he is on the brink of his dreams. He has been patient on his lengthy journey towards winning the WBO world title.
"I want to put on a performance that cannot be questioned," he said. "People are going to know the difference between me and The Gentleman. There's a big difference. I believe that I'm a level above.
An undefeated Riakporhe has won 13 of his 17 bouts by way of knockout, most recently stopping Dylan Bregeon in the second round last November in preparation for an eventual clash against Billam-Smith.
Whether he concedes rounds or not, The Midnight Train holds an unwavering trust in his ability to prevail with his one-punch knockout ferocity.
Both fighters have developed significantly since their first meeting five years ago; Riakporhe believes he remains the better man and has promised to haunt his opponent yet again.
Lewis Musonye.
