‘Complete nonsense’ – Richard Riakporhe hits back at cruiserweight rival Billam-Smith

Richard Riakporhe has hit back at Chris Billam-Smith’s claims that he rejected the chance for a rematch at the end of 2022.

Unbeaten Walworth cruiserweight Riakporhe is aiming to move a step closer to a world title shot by producing a statement win over Krzysztof Glowacki in Manchester on Saturday night.

European and Commonwealth champion Billam-Smith is on a eight-bout winning streak since dropping a split decision to the South Londoner in 2019.

And the Bournemouth boxer reckoned that Riakporhe (15-0) had been tabled an offer to meet him again in December. Instead Billam-Smith (17-1) stopped Armend Xhoxhaj in five rounds.

“That was complete nonsense,” Riakporhe told the South London Press when asked about his domestic rival’s assertion.

“Myself and my team had a plan before we came over to BOXXER. We wanted to fight Chris Billam-Smith.

“When I got the offer, of course it makes a lot of sense. Why not? The world title fight is not there yet and the UK fans love the domestic fights. I thought it was a no-brainer and I jumped straight at it.

“I don’t know what happened on his side of things. As two domestic fighters under the same promotional banner, it will be easy to make that type of fight. It’s up to them if they want it. But the truth is that if we had fought that night then I would have knocked him out very quickly.

“We’re at a stage now where not a lot can change in terms of boxing styles, especially being with the same trainer. I’ve seen a lot of gaps in his ability that I can exploit, and exploit in a big way. His style is made for me.

“I’m a completely different fighter from the last time we met. There were so many things I was lacking. I had brute power and simple basics – that got me through and got me the win. Now as a fighter I am at a completely different level – very intelligent, very crafty and my boxing IQ is very high. It would be a difficult night for him.

“It’s not a fight I’m chasing because I have beaten him already. It is time to get my world honours and I want to unify.”

Riakporhe turned 33 on January 5 and his assignment against Glowacki ensured it was a low-key event.

“My birthday involved 12 rounds of sparring, a couple of rounds on the bag and sprints in the evening,” he said. “But some people made it nice, I was sent some gifts – including a Playstation 5. Normally I’d go abroad for Christmas, somewhere hot with beaches, but I couldn’t do that with this training camp.

“I’ve had a lot of sparring partners over the festive period. I’ve pushed myself – I want to get a victory, but also in great fashion.”

Glowacki (32-3) suffered back-to-back losses in world title challenges against Mairis Breidis and Lawrence Okolie. The Poland fighter has fought once since March 2021, a low-key win over Mexican Francisco Ruiz (18-4).

“He has got experience and can punch a bit,” said Riakporhe. “He seems like a warrior but I’ll question him with my tactics and see what he has left. He can be dangerous with counter shots and has won a lot of fights late. I’ll have to hurt him and take him out when I get the chance.”