Pundits and commentators have given their opinions ahead of Chris Willam-Smith and Richard Riakpohe's clash for the WBO cruiserweight world title at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park Stadium on Saturday.
Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe clash in one of the biggest All-England matches of the year on Saturday and fans can watch a bumper undercard from 6.30pm. keep living sky sports Or stream it instantly with NOW.
Johnny Nelson (former WBO cruiserweight champion):
“Richard Riakforet Stopped Chris Billam-Smith from a distance. The only thing we can doubt is whether he can go and dig deep when there is nothing in the well.
“We've seen Chris Billam-Smith do it. We've never seen Richard Riakporhe do it, because he hasn't had to do it. So if he has to dig deep, then you think, 'Oh my God.' . That's where you like Chris Billam-Smith, but I think this is his time to shine and it's time for the best player of his career to do that.”
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Challenger Richard Riakporhe sends a surprising final message to champion Chris Billiam-Smith ahead of their WBO cruiserweight title fight on Saturday.
Barry Jones (former world champion):
“I make Billam-Smith my favourite, it’s just experience and overcoming the pressure. I think he is a better fighter than before, just like Riakporhe.
“But being active and not being afraid of being within shooting range. He knows he has to take educated risks. I'm concerned about him taking it on the chin and eating it out, but he understands he has to stay within his shooting range. I think he I think they're willing to do that.
“I think he's a smarter fighter overall than when we first met. Riakporhe, although I think he's cleaner than he used to be, ultimately it comes down to how much he can land with his right hand and left hook. Billam-Smith has that distance. “I think we can shorten it and have more success.”
Jack Massey (both boxed):
“It's a difficult thing. It's a very difficult thing. I was going back and forth between the two. I'm swinging towards Riakporhe, a little more power, a little stronger and coming off the last performance of Billam-Smith (Mateusz Masternak), that's it. “That’s what I’m going to do.”
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Chris Billam-Smith believes Richard Riakporhe is ready for whatever comes on fight night and will emerge victorious by knockout.
Spencer Oliver (formerly european champion):
“I think both players have improved a lot since the first game. They were at the beginning of their careers in the first game.
“Chris Billam-Smith has gone on a 10-game unbeaten run since that game in 2019 and has proven himself to be a tough guy. He’s gone from there in a fight where it won’t be easy to turn things around and the following Championship material We haven't seen any of Richard Riakporhe yet.
“Richard was undefeated and put himself in a mandatory position. His progression was a little different, but what Richard took away from his first fight, which he had never done before, was that he believed in himself. Even though in his first fight with Richard he won the fight, And he never believed in himself. In his acting, where he rarely intervenes, he is now at a stage where he believes in himself.
“So I am counting on Riakporhe to win this competition.”
Duke McKenzie (former three-weight world champion)
“It’s a good fight and that’s what the crowd is here to see and they will see it. It will be explosive because they already have history together.
“I will lean towards Riakporhe because I think Riakporhe will improve of the two. I think Billam-Smith is unchangeable. Once he hits, Billam-Smith… for me he is a bit flat-footed, his head He doesn't have enough movement and wants to fight without relying on his boxing abilities.
“If he can change his game a little bit he will have a better chance of winning. Smarts win fights and I think Riakporhe might be a little too smart for him.”
Matt Christie (leading boxing journalist):
“This is an exceptionally difficult fight, just as it was when they first met. Although both have undoubtedly improved since then, it is the level that makes Billam-Smith’s trajectory even steeper.
“As a result, given Billam-Smith’s excellent experience both on the world stage and in 12-round championship matches, I am leaning towards him leading Riakporhe on points.”
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As Chris Billam-Smith prepares to defend his WBO World Cruiserweight title against Richard Riakporhe on Saturday, Johnny Nelson questions who will come out on top.
Eli Scottney (IBF and WBO bantamweight world champion):
“When you compare fighters who shared the ring years ago, when you compare their careers, the best fighter on Richard’s record is Chris by a country mile.
“Look at Chris. Look at who he boxed. Lawrence Okolie, who was the bogeyman of the division, no one tried to touch him, but he hit so hard. Chris always has a way of finding a way to win. I think. I support a stoppage win for Billam-Smith as his intensity and tenacity will allow him to take down Richard over the longer stretch.
“We see the best of Chris when no one believes him and his back is against the wall. And I think he’s going to shut people up on Saturday.”
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Richard Riakporhe says he doesn't play mind games and is excited to work against Chris Billam-Smith.
Bradley Skitty (former British champion)
“I would go with Riakporhe, everything is in place for him. His hometown Crystal Palace think he will make a late stop.
“I like Billam-Smith very much. He is a great champion. I wish him the best, but for this match I will be with Riakporhe. I think Riakporhe will be inspired by the home crowd. Chris The support he gets is always incredible at Bournemouth.”
Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO cruiserweight world title against Richard Riakporhe live at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park sky sports Saturday, June 15; Ben Whittaker and Dan Azeez appear in the opening. You can also stream the event via NOW TV.
