Richard Riakporhe has warned Chris Billam-Smith he will likely be sharing the ring with a ‘salivating Hyena’ when the pair collide for the WBO world cruiserweight title at Selhurst Park on June 15.
The duo will meet for the second time within the ring when Billam-Smith defends his cruiserweight crown towards Riakporhe, who emerged victorious by way of cut up determination of their first conflict again in 2019.
Billam-Smith turned champion in Could 2023 when he defeated British rival Lawrence Okolie in a majority determination win in entrance of his dwelling followers at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. This time, he steps into Riakporhe’s again yard because the south Londoner takes centre stage on the dwelling of his beloved Crystal Palace.
“I am actually blissful, lastly my dream has come true, not simply to combat for a world title however to combat at Selhurst Park,” Riakporhe instructed Sky Sports activities.
“It is unbelievable, I am trying ahead to placing on a present for the followers and holding the title in south London. The one factor that is going to be derailed is Chris Billam-Smith.
“He is bought expertise, he is world champion, he has the title however I’ve bought starvation, will and he is preventing a salivating Hyena that hasn’t eaten for per week. It should be a troublesome combat for Chris Billam-Smith.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of Billam-Smith’s stoppage win over Mateusz Masternak to retain his world title
Riakporhe had beforehand predicted a first-round knockout towards Billam-Smith, and did not shirk plans for a stoppage end because the combat was introduced on Tuesday.
“Chris Billam-Smith likes to speak quite a bit and generally I see issues pop up on the feed, if I see him speaking smack on the feed I will finish him in three, if I see him on the press convention in some humorous footwear then I will finish him in two, when you run I will finish you in a single,” added Riakporhe.
Billam-Smith joked he’s ‘fairly comfy in my footwear’ and insisted he is not considering an excessive amount of about his defeat to Riakporhe, which stays his solely profession defeat as knowledgeable.
The 33-year-old has lengthy maintained the idea that he deserved to win the primary combat after being on the receiving finish of what he judged to have been an unfair knockdown name by the referee.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of Riakporhe’s devastating win by TKO over Dylan Bregeon inside two rounds
“A lot completely different fighter now, completely different individual, it is lastly on and I am excited,” mentioned Billam-Smith. “I am glad the combat occurred, it helped me construct the expertise and change into the fighter I’m at the moment, it was my first correct 50/50 combat so good expertise.
“It is exhausting to observe when you understand what you are able to.
“It is irrelevant now, I’ve gone on to do some good things.”
Billam-Smith had placed on a career-best efficiency to dethrone Okolie final yr, earlier than efficiently defending his title towards Mateusz Masternak on December 10.
He says Riakporhe ought to count on a distinct model of him the second time round, and is able to embrace the problem of preventing in a doubtlessly hostile setting.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Watch Riakporhe’s ringside response to Billam-Smith’s win over Masternak
“I’ve improved in all areas,” mentioned Billam-Smith. “My boxing, physicality, mindset, I am a totally completely different fighter and individual now, all the pieces that comes with it, the entire bundle, I am very content material with the place I am at.
“I believe it is good it is not at Bournemouth in a approach as a result of it is a new motivation, there is a siege mentality going into anyone’s again backyard to combat – it is that world towards you kind of factor.
“It brings that new motivation, and one which I thrive in.”
Riakporhe enters with an ideal 17-0 report as knowledgeable, making Dylan Bregeon his thirteenth knockout win in December on his approach in the direction of securing a long-awaited title shot.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Billam-Smith retained his WBO cruiserweight title after Masternak was unable to proceed after sustaining a rib damage
Whereas Billam-Smith wished his opponent nicely all through the rest of coaching camp, Riakporhe let his intentions be recognized.
“I’ll emotionlessly batter you on the fifteenth of June and your time is coming to an finish,” he mentioned.
“The Midnight Prepare goes to prevail.”
Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO cruiserweight world title towards Richard Riakporhe reside on Sky Sports activities on Saturday June 15; earlier than then, Lauren Value fights for a world title for the primary time when she meets Jessica McCaskill in Cardiff on Saturday Could 11, additionally reside on Sky.
Get Sky Sports activities on WhatsApp!
Now you can begin receiving messages and alerts for the most recent breaking sports activities information, evaluation, in-depth options and movies from our devoted WhatsApp channel!
Ad content | Stream Sky Sports on NOW
Stream Sky Sports activities reside with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Prompt entry to reside motion from the Premier League and EFL, plus darts, cricket, tennis, golf and a lot extra.