After a lengthy wait, it was announced today that Chris Billam-Smith will be defending his WBO Cruiserweight title against mandatory challenger Richard Riakporhe this summer. The fight is scheduled for June 15 at Selhurst Park, the home ground of Riakporhe’s favorite football team Crystal Palace FC. The event will be part of a Boxxer promotion … Read more
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH is hopeful for a rematch against Richard Riakporhe to take place at the same venue where he suffered his only defeat to date. On July 20, 2019, Riakporhe emerged victorious over 10 rounds on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s triumph over Oscar Rivas at the O2 Arena in London. Both Billam-Smith and Riakporhe, … Read more
By Declan Taylor CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH is set to defend his world cruiserweight title against Richard Riakporhe on June 15. Negotiations to stage the highly anticipated rematch between the two Brits have been lengthy and remain ongoing. And, although there is still no decision made on a venue, Boxing News understands that June 15 is currently … Read more
1) Leigh Wood Leigh Wood has been on a remarkable run since 2021, making him one of the most exciting boxers to watch. His wins against Can Xu and Michael Conlan were incredibly dramatic, and his battles with Maurico Lara and Josh Warrington only solidified his reputation. Leigh Wood lands a right on Mauricio Lara … Read more
By Steve Bunce THIS is not a review of an unforgettable year in rings all over the world. There is an argument that a review of the British boxing year could start and end on one May evening. It was all done and dusted in a couple of hours. It was the evening in May … Read more
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH believes the next defence of his WBO Cruiserweight belt will be against former opponent Richard Riakporhe. Both men were on different sides of the ring on Sunday (December 10) evening inside the Bournemouth International Centre. Billam-Smith was defending his title for the first time against veteran Mateusz Masternak while Riakporhe was ringside working … Read more
Boxing News columnist and former EBU super-lightweight champion Joe Hughes gives us his thoughts on both last weekend’s action and this weekend’s. I EXPECT Chris Billam-Smith to be a step ahead of Mateusz Masternak when they fight tomorrow night (December 10). The champion can out-box Masternak for most of the fight but may struggle to … Read more
By Declan Taylor JAI OPETAIA has warned Chris Billam-Smith to be wary of ‘old bull’ Mateusz Masternak – and hopes to fight the winner in February. Opetaia is currently in Australia preparing for his December 23 world title defense against Ellis Zorro in Riyadh. But the IBF champion will be keeping a close eye on … Read more
By Chris Billam-Smith MOST people are expecting me to just turn up on Sunday night and win. Luckily, I don’t listen to most people. I listen to about four people’s opinions in boxing and they are the only people that matter – maybe five if you include my own. For me, Mateusz Masternak is my … Read more
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH says he doesn’t want to be “a flash in the pan” ahead of the first defence of his WBO cruiserweight belt. The 33-year-old will be on home turf again when he fights Polish veteran Mateusz Masternak on Sunday December 10 at the Bournemouth International Centre. Billam-Smith, now ranked second only to world champion … Read more
