CBS Riakporhe R4
Into the fourth they go, Billam-Smith sticks his tongue out after landing a two-punch combo with Riakporhe up against the ropes.
The champion is starting to feel himself now, but can’t allow overconfidence to creep into his work with a heavy-handed challenger ready to respond at any moment. They trade downstairs.
CBS’ jab is sharp but Richard’s right hand a far more scary prospect and that layer of jeopardy will only intensify the more they exchange.
CBS Riakporhe R3
By persistently complaining about Riakporhe’s illegal tactics, CBS is giving the referee a decision to make – but will that allow him to momentarily switch off at the wrong time? We’ll wait and see.
Riakporhe lands a crowd-pleasing right but subsequent work is messy, before again being warned – this time for a low blow and shortly afterwards, leading with his head in the clinch.
Ring any bells? Lawrence Okolie is ringside, after all.
Billam-Smith lands some sneaky body punching to finish another scrappy round, packed with holding and frustration growing.
CBS Riakporhe R2
Billam-Smith begins the second round just as he finished the first, cunning work on the inside while Riakporhe looks to break space.
Referee ticks both off as CBS is unhappy with Riakporhe holding, then the champion absorbs two cuffing right hands as they exchange jabs in centre ring. A more cagey stanza, that one.
CBS Riakporhe R1
Here we go! A month shy of five years on from their first fight, the pair do battle again – both have improved since then, but who will show their mettle on the biggest stage here?
Billam-Smith begins as the aggressor, referee separates them as Riakporhe finds himself against the ropes – twice – then the challenger lands a stiff right hand which wobbles Billam-Smith.
Riakporhe tries maintaining distance with a few jabs, gets ticked off for illegal moves in the clinch as CBS’ dirty boxing works to the bell.
It’s almost time…
Billam-Smith in the ring, national anthem sung beautifully, now comes the fighter introductions. Repeat or revenge?
Glasner in the house
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner’s among the ringside audience enjoying the evening’s action at his new home – having taken charge of the south London club in February (W7, D3, L3).
Wonder who he’ll be back in this headliner, surely the hometown hero right? Riakporhe’s in the ring now, Billam-Smith coming shortly.
