Chris Billam-Smith (right) attacks Richard Riakpohre en route to his unanimous decision victory in the rematch on June 15 in London. Photo credit: Lawrence Lustig, BOXXER
Five years later, Chris Billam-Smith finally derailed “The Night Train.”
The victory was timely for the defending WBO cruiserweight world champion, who clearly overtook compatriot Richard Riakporhe within twelve rounds. Scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112 for Billam-Smith in the Sky Sports/Peacock+ main event on Saturday at Selhurst Park in London.
Billam-Smith defended his title for a second time and took revenge for his lone career defeat. Riakporhe won by split decision in the battle for undefeated prospects in July 2019 at The O2 in London.
Riakporhe once again gained the advantage in his hometown, this time in his first career title fight. The fifth-ranked Ring cruiserweight won the jab battle in the first round. the title challenger landed his first exact right hands both to the top and to the body. Bournemouth’s Billam-Smith, No. 1 in the 200, was more dynamic on his feet but less effective with his punches as he tried to neutralize his opponent’s best weapons.
Both Billam-Smith and Riakporhe landed singles with right hands during a brief exchange in the second round. The action was less fluid than in the continuous opening round. Riakporhe pressed forward, but often landed only one blow at a time. Billam-Smith was unable to capitalize on this as the two often came to terms in what became a repeat of the early stages of their first meeting.
Referee Steve Gray continued to work harder than expected in the third round. The British cruiser pair struggled to provide a sustained offensive attack.
Blood began to flow from Billam-Smith’s nose in the fourth quarter, a byproduct of Riakporhe’s persistent jab. Riakporhe also jabbed to the body, but found more success upstairs later in the round. An overhand right sent Billam Smith into the ropes. Another landed later in the frame before the two engaged in another clinch. Billam-Smith split the guard with a right uppercut in the dying seconds.
Overdue in round five, Billam-Smith’s left hand landed on Riakporhe’s chin. He then skillfully dodged Riakporhe’s response and landed a right hand kick. Billam-Smith’s momentum was briefly halted when he was cautioned for hitting the break in the closing moments of the frame. The defending champion closed the sixth with right hands in separate exchanges.
The action picked up as the fight entered the second half. Riakporhe landed a right hand just after the first minute of round seven. Billam-Smith connected with a combination to the body. It’s time to put the Riakporhe mouthpiece back on. Billam-Smith took the lead after the fight restarted and finished strongly. It was the complete opposite of the first fight when he was staggered and knocked down. The sequence was the difference on the scorecards that resulted in his only career defeat.
Riakporhe’s cornerback expressed his concern, believing that his players did not take advantage of the moment when they were trying to win the title for the first time. The lecture didn’t make much of a splash as Billam-Smith dominated throughout the eighth. Riakporhe was able to land more than one punch at a time. Billam-Smith landed a left hook to the body, then looped in a right and went on the attack. Billam-Smith’s left hook landed, as did a right hand around Riakpohre’s guard.
Riakporhe was cautioned for a low blow early in the ninth period, just as Billam-Smith lost his rubber guard on a shot from the right side. Riakporhe’s more disciplined approach resulted in a change in right hand dynamics later in the round. Billam-Smith was backed into a corner but managed to get out of trouble. Riakporhe landed a left hook in the final minute of what was by far his best round at that point.
Both fighters were instructed to keep immaculate midway through round ten. That didn’t stop Riakporhe from getting in on the action on either side of the break as he continued his advantage delayed on. When Billam-Smith returned to jab, Billam-Smith’s mouth was open. Riakporhe just missed with a right hand but was cautioned for a headbutt.
Billam-Smith regained control a minute into the eleventh round. The right hand landed in the hands of the title holder, who strengthened his defense. Riakporhe received a final warning for leading with his head. Billam-Smith worked his way inside and then cut back to avoid a right hand. The time-honored deuce and left hook landed for Billam-Smith.
Obvious information was said out deafening, but needed to be said before the final round. Riakporhe and his team were well aware that a knockout was needed to win. That moment never came, even though Riakporhe dropped his hands early in the twelfth. Billam-Smith was prepared for the attack and took most of the punches.
Riakporhe’s final header was enough for the referee to call time and deduct a point. It didn’t really matter because the distance was too far out of reach at this point. Neither boxer landed anything significant down the stretch.
Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KO) extended his winning streak to eleven in a row since losing to Riapkporhe (17-1, 13 KO). He won the WBO cruiserweight title in a twelve-round decision defeating then undefeated Lawrence Okolie last May in his hometown of Bournemouth.
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