Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe - Preview & Tips

Leon Hughes / 5:09 PM GMT • 15th June, 2024

7 minutes

Billam-Smith defends his World Title against fellow Brit Richard Riakporhe, We take a look at the fight and get predictions from the boxing community.

Chris Billam-Smith will defend his WBO Cruiserweight Title against Richard Riakporhe on June 15, marking a rematch of their 2019 encounter. In their first bout, Billam-Smith narrowly lost to Riakporhe via split decision, a match that was closely contested. Billam-Smith claimed the WBO title last year after defeating his former sparring partner and friend, Lawrence Okolie, via majority decision. He successfully defended his title against Mateusz Masternak, although his performance was lackluster, as he was outboxed until Masternak retired in the eighth round due to a rib injury.

Riakporhe, boasting an undefeated 17-0 record with 13 knockouts, has shown formidable power, securing five KOs in his last six fights. His latest victory was a knockout against Dylan Bregeon. Since teaming up with coach Angel Fernandez, Riakporhe has improved both offensively and defensively, making him a formidable opponent capable of stopping anyone. Here are some predictions from boxing experts for this upcoming match.

Fight Betting Odds

Fight Betting Predictions

As well as bringing you the best betting sites for boxing, we at betting.bet are eager to share our tips, as well as predictions from the wider world of boxing. Here are some thoughts and predictions from some well-known boxers and pundits:

George Groves: 

"I think Billam-Smith wins via stoppage, between rounds nine to 12."

Viddal Riley: 

"I predict Billiam-Smith to get the win via split decision.

"He will struggle early as both fighters will be cagey thus playing into Riakporhe’s hands, but once the fight gets heated, Billam-Smith should come into his own and get the win."

Denzel Bentley:

"It’s a good fight and I think both have improved massively since they first fought. Billam-Smith has grown in confidence since becoming a world champion and Riakporhe has become more relaxed and better with his punch placement. I think if Riakporhe doesn’t knock him out then I have Billam-Smith on points. 

Lawrence Okolie: 

"My first pick would be Billam-Smith on points but if Riakporhe can get to him early, I can see him winning inside four rounds."

Sam Noakes:

"I think Billam-Smith will do enough to win this time. I know their last fight was close but that was a little while ago now and he’s got good momentum and boxed at a good level since." 

Anthony Crolla:

"It's a really tough one to call. It's a great fight and I don't see it going the distance like the first one. If Billam-Smith gets hit anywhere near as much he did in his last fight against Mateusz Masternak, I think it will be Riakporhe inside four rounds. 

"But I think Billam-Smith will be a lot more defensive than he was last time. He might have to get up off the floor but I think he could grind out a late stoppage." 

Hannah Rankin:

"Billam-Smith has had the harder fights in his career and I think has the better experience. 

"I think Riakporhe will be dangerous in the early rounds but as long as there isn’t too much wear and tear from the fights Billam-Smith has been in, I think his experience will get him the win on Saturday night with a late-round stoppage.

Paul Smith:

"I think Riakporhe stops Billam-Smith late on in the fight."

Spencer Oliver:

"It’s very tough to call. I think both guys will go through tough times, maybe even pick themselves up off the floor. 

"With fights of this magnitude and with what’s on the line, home advantage could be crucial and I lean just towards Riakporhe to scrape through on a points decision."

Nathan Heaney:

"I'm going with Billam-Smith because he's been in the big football stadium scenario before so he knows what its all about. I've heard Riakporhe is one of the hardest punchers going but Billam-Smith is a top lad and a great fighter."

Barry Jones: 

"I’m going with the experience that Billiam-Smith has gained since they both faced each other to just get him over the line. If he can force Riakporhe to fight at a high pace, he might be able to avoid the big right hand and smoother the work of the bigger puncher. So it’s Billiam-Smith to gain revenge, on points."

Johnny Nelson:

"I'm predicting a late Riakporhe stoppage win in a hard-fought fight."

Eddie Hearn:

“Uh, good fight. You know, I’ve gone against Chris a few times. I thought Okolie would beat him. I do think Riakporhe beats him. I just think he’s a fresher fighter,” 

Don Charles:

“That’s a mouth watering one…I don’t usually sit on the fence. Whoever turns up on the day. It’s about when these championship fights about [what happens] on the day, whoever turns up on the day and executes the game plan their coach and team have devised as close as possible to the game plan will win,” 

Isaac Chamberlin:

“It’s an amazing fight for the fans, that’s a very good fight. So yeah, it’s very interesting to see what will happen. Richard hits very hard, but CBS is very tough, and he has a great game plan, and he’s been very active, but…Richard, when he was fighting, he’s knocking them out early, so it’s hard, man,” 

Jai Opetaia:

“I’m expecting a good fight. You know, these boys got a lot on the line. So, you know, I’m expecting maximum effort from both of them. You know, no quit… So should be good,” 

Matt Macklin:

“Billam-Smith has had a brilliant sort of couple of years, hasn’t he? But Riakporhe had a good couple of years as well. You know that they both improved a lot from when they first fought each other. I think Riakporhe  is the fresher of the two. Billam-Smith has had a great run, but he’s had some hard fights. So there’s definitely more miles on the clock there. I don’t know yet, I haven’t made up my mind on who is gonna win that one,” 

Spencer Oliver: 

“Billam-Smith has had a tough few fights and that takes a toll on the body as well. He’s shown that he’s got a great champion mentality, and he can pull through and weather those storms. For me, Riakporhe just edges it. He has beaten Billam-Smith before and knows he can do it once again,” 

Our Prediction

Richard Riakporhe: Win - 2/5

Richard Riakporhe: Round 8 - 14/1

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