Billam-Smith prepared for revenge mission against rival Riakporhe

Bournemouth boxing sensation Chris Billam-Smith believes beating long-term rival Richard Riakporhe would see him crowned the as the best British cruiserweight of an impressive generation.

The 33-year-old has already been in training for his rematch against the man nicknamed the Midnight Train, with Riakporhe inflicting Billam-Smith’s only professional loss back in July 2019.

Since then, the former Poole ABC star has won his past 10 bouts on the way to claiming the WBO world title, as well as defending the belt against Mateusz Masternak at the BIC last time out.

And while a date is still yet to be confirmed for the contest, Billam-Smith revealed he would be ready to complete his revenge mission.

Speaking as a guest presenter on The Fight Disciples Podcast, Billam-Smith said: “Once I beat Richard, I feel like I have come out on top of this great group of British cruiserweights.

“Obviously there’s people coming through and there’s always going to be that and there will be people staking their claim.

“But from who I’ve boxed, who they’ve boxed and who everyone’s boxed – it’s kind of just left this final of me and Richard.

“For my own ego, I want to come out on top of that against Richard and then I’ve always wanted to box in America.”

Giving an update on the showdown, the man nicknamed The Gentleman added: “I think we are looking at the middle of June-time. Hopefully we can get that sorted soon.

“I’ve been in camp and been in the gym from mid-January ticking over, then had a good stint over the past six weeks.

“Originally we got dates as early as April 6^th, then there was April 27^th talks, then there was May 4^th, May 11^th talks then it’s been pushed back to June. I’ve been ready, got a very good pre-camp in me.

“It’s looking like June in London. I’d love it to be back at the O2. Great atmosphere for a big fight and that was where the first fight was as well.

“I’d love it to be back there and avenge that loss in the place I received it. That would be amazing.”

(Picture: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER)