Billam-Smith outlines three key factors in successful world title defence against Riakporhe

Bournemouth cruiserweight sensation Chris Billam-Smith believes “experience, speed and game plan” made the difference as he successfully avenged the only loss of his professional career.

The man nicknamed ‘The Gentleman’ sealed a unanimous points victory over Londoner Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.

Billam-Smith, 33, was clear on the cards with scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112 from the three judges at ringside, meaning he retained his WBO cruiserweight title.

"I'm really pleased with the performance,” the Shane McGuigan-trained world champion told Sky Sports.

"Forget all the build-up. I've got a lot of respect for Richard he's a great fighter, he just needed a little bit more experience and he'll learn from that."

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The moment Chris Billam-Smith beats Richard Riakporhe ??#BillamSmithRiakporhe pic.twitter.com/QwwsNIqe3s

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) June 15, 2024

Riakporhe had previously beaten Billam-Smith back in July 2019, when the pair were rising up the pro ranks side-by-side.

Asked what the difference was this time round, former Poole ABC fighter Billam-Smith said: "Experience, speed and the game plan.

“Shane is a master. He’s the best coach in the world.”

BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom added: "Just never, ever, ever bet against Chris Billam-Smith.

"Every single time he comes through, and he was levels above."

Billam-Smith, who has been trained by the McGuigans since he turned pro in 2017, also wanted to dedicate the victory to manager Barry McGuigan’s daughter Nika, the sister of trainer Shane.

He said: “I’d like to dedicate that win to Nika McGuigan, who passed away three days after our first fight with Richard.

“I was absolutely gutted to not be able to do that for the team in that time, so that one is for Nika.”

(Picture: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER)