Chris Billam-Smith is set to make a second defence of his WBO cruiserweight title when he faces old rival Richard Riakporhe. 

The pair have met once before in 2019 which saw Riakporhe triumph by split decision, and already the tension is building during fight week with a disagreement over the dressing rooms at Selhurst Park in London. 

In addition to the main event, there are a number of notable names featuring on the undercard including Isaac Chamberlain who will face Jack Massey for the vacant European cruiserweight title. 

The divisive Ben Whittaker is also in action as he looks to continue his development in the professional ranks, and Dan Azeez is set to lace up the gloves for the first time since losing to Joshua Buatsi in February. 

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe and who is featuring on the undercard. 

When is Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe?

  • Date: Saturday, June 15 
  • Time: 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET 
  • Main event ringwalks (approx): 10 p.m. UK / 5 p.m. ET
  • The event will begin at 7 p.m. UK / 2 p.m. ET with the Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe ringwalks scheduled for 10 p.m. UK / 5 p.m. ET. These timings are subject to change. 

    What has been said?

    Riakporhe is expecting some massive names to be watching on from ringside this summer, including pop queen Madonna.

    Speaking to talkSPORT Drive with Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on Tuesday, Riakporhe said: "I've been speaking to Michael Buckley from the horse racing, he said he wants to come down.

    "I spoke to Madonna. Madonna says she's going to come down if she's in London, she's going to keep me updated.

    "Loads of celebrities in London as well... Madonna, she's keen. She's been looking out for the posts.

    "She's on tour right now and she's in Mexico but she said she wants to come to the fight.

    "It's going to be crazy and that's just the tip of the iceberg."

    Plus, he believes that the Billam-Smith he fought in 2019 is better than the current version.

    Speaking to his opponent, he said: "I have to object because the way I see it, I have to look back at your fights and how you performed in the last three and you haven't won a lot of rounds in your last three fights.

    "The reality is, the underlying issue is that you're deteriorating. And it's plain to see.

    "You can smile and laugh about it, but it really is true. That's the talk around the town. That's what everybody has said.

    "What I do believe in is what I can see, and I've been at every single one of your fights, and I believe when you boxed me, you were better. That's my honest opinion, you were better. Your footwork has slowed down, you don't move your head, you take too many shots."

     

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