Chris Billam-Smith retains WBO cruiserweight title with points win over Richard Riakporhe
The Gentleman avenges his 2019 defeat to prove too much for the London man
Billam-Smith was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112
Chris Billam-Smith has retained his WBO cruiserweight world title with a dominant points win over compatriot Richard Riakporhe.
The Bournemouth fighter was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112, having avenged his 2019 split decision defeat to Riakporhe.
The opening round was mostly cagey, with Riakporhe's jab the highlight. However, Billam-Smith began to take control in the second round, landing a number of clean punches and rocking Riakporhe on several occasions.
Billam-Smith continued to dominate the fight in the third and fourth rounds, landing a number of heavy shots and forcing Riakporhe to take a knee in the fourth.
Riakporhe showed great heart and determination to stay in the fight, but Billam-Smith was simply too strong and too experienced on the night.
The victory is a major boost for Billam-Smith's career, and he now has his sights set on unifying the cruiserweight division.
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