Richard Riakporhe has signed a deal to fight Chris Billam-Smith in a WBO cruiserweight title showdown.
‘The Gentleman’ Billam-Smith, 33, is the belt-holder with one defence, but his only professional defeat in 20 fights was against ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe, 34, in 2019.
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom revealed that the Vitality Stadium, AFC Bournemouth’s ground in Billam-Smith’s home town, and Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park are being considered as venues.
A fight date is set to be announced once it is known when a cut suffered by Billam-Smith in his first defence against Mateusz Masternak has fully healed.
“That’s a fight that both fighters have signed to fight. It’s a mandatory fight and it’s guaranteed to happen next. Another huge fight in British boxing,” Shalom said on Sky Sports.
“We’re looking at dates at both Selhurst Park and the Vitality stadium.
“They’ve both signed to fight each other. Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe will fight each other next and we’re waiting on Chris to update and then we can announce the date.
“It’s something that Richard has worked towards a long time as people know. It’s a rematch for Chris Billam-Smith, so it means a lot to him, the only loss on his record.
“A special fight in a division that’s really thriving but also two guys that people really enjoy watching for different reasons.
“Chris Billam-Smith is a fan favourite and guy that always delivers entertainment and then Richard Riakporhe has phenomenal freakish power and it’s just going to be an incredible moment, an incredible fight for both of them with so much on the line.
“I think Chris Billam-Smith will be a completely different fighter to the one that fought against Masternak. Richard needs to not read too much into it. A big fight that both fighters have both signed for.
“To have an all-British world title fight as a rematch is massive.”
