Chris Billam-Smith Ready for Rematch With Richard Riakporhe

June 14, 2024

3 weeks

skysports-boxing-chris-billam-smith_6530402 - Boxing News

Rivalries are usually fostered by petty squabbles that grow into much larger issues due to mutual dislike. Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe argued this week over dressing rooms at Selhurst Park in London. Online boxing news shows that Billam-Smith is eager to get back in the ring with Riakporhe.

Riakporhe is the only man to hand Billam-Smith a defeat in the boxing ring. When the two fighters first met at The O2 Arena in London back in July 2019, Billam-Smith lost a split decision to Riakorphe. Despite the previous win over Billam-Smith, Riakorphe hasn’t had a chance to fight for a world title despite being undefeated.

Meanwhile, Billam-Smith was able to earn an opportunity to fight for the WBO cruiserweight championship. Billam-Smith surprised some observers by beating Lawrence Okolie by majority decision to win the championship back in 2023. He has since retained his title when Mateusz Masternak retired at the end of the eighth round.

Despite being the reigning champion, Billam-Smith is an underdog to win this fight. Here’s a look at this fight card and how to bet this rematch in England will end.

Billam-Smith Insists This Will be Different

skysports-chris-billam-smith_6288875 - Boxing News

Billam-Smith believes this fight will be much different than the first time around. He’s not the same fighter he was when they met several years ago. However, many people were disappointed with Billam-Smith’s output against Masternak last December.

Riakporhe has made major strides since suffering a serious hand injury four years ago. He has been studying Billam-Smith’s recent fights and believes he has seen some openings that he can exploit.

Billam-Smith got cut in the fourth round of his last fight before he rallied later in the fight. He won’t want to fall behind Riakporhe, who has already proven he has the skills to beat Billam-Smith. Riakporhe is also comfortable going the distance, according to the latest trending boxing news.

Prediction for Main Event

It’s always a little surprising to see the champion as the underdog. But in this case, it does make sense, given their history. Both men have obviously seen a lot of changes since they squared up the first time.

But given the first fight went the distance, and neither are regarded as knockout artists, it may be better to avoid picking a side in this bout. This one should feature both men going back and forth to see who is the better fighter.

Riakporhe is -225 to win the fight, while Billam-Smith is +180. The over/under has been set at 10.5 rounds. Billam-Smith is +550 to win by knockout, while Riakporhe is +185. Riakporhe is +185 to win by decision, while Billam-Smith is +300.

It may be worth taking a flier on the champion to win by decision at a three-to-one payout, but this fight will likely be close, and the judges will have a difficult decision to make when all things are said and done.

Bets to consider: Over 10.5 rounds (-190)

Chamberlain Seeks Defense of Titles

Isaac Chamberlain has spent his career in search of gaining respect from his peers and boxing fans alike. Last October, Chamberlain earned success in some small measure when he beat Mikael Lawal by unanimous decision to claim the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles. He had previously challenged Billam-Smith for the European and Commonwealth cruiserweight belts back in July 2022.

Chamberlain made his mark in the sport by being the sparring partner for Deontay Wilder. His challenger, Jack Massey, has faced some tough competition recently. Massey took his second career loss in January 2023 to Joseph Parker.

The loss to Parker has aged well. Since beating Massey, Parker has picked up wins over Zhilei Zhang and Wilder to climb into the heavyweight title picture. Massey is a former IBO cruiserweight titleholder.

This is going to be a close fight. Massey going the distance with Parker has aged well. With Chamberlain not fighting that high quality of opponent recently, this should be an opportunity for Massey to steal a win as a slight underdog.

Bets to consider: Massey +110

You Can Dance if You Want To

Ben Whittaker wants to be known as one of the ultimate showmen in boxing. Whittaker, who was the 2020 Olympic silver medalist, will look to pick up his eighth career victory when he takes on Ezra Arenyeka at light heavyweight.

Whittaker has turned some heads on social media for his colorful promotional style. He is also someone who enjoys showboating in the ring and likes to dance around before aggressively attacking his opponent. Arenyeka likely won’t be amused by the flair.

Arenyeka has won all 12 of his professional fights and has finished 10 of them by knockout. However, Arenyeka is being priced like he is several levels below where Whittaker is. Whittaker is a -4000 favorite, which leaves no value to be had to be on his moneyline.

Instead, it would be better to back Whittaker on a prop.

Bets to consider: Under 5.5 rounds, Whittaker by KO/TKO/DQ

Anzeez Has Plenty to Prove

Dan Anzeez is in one of the most difficult spots a boxer can be in. He had his 20-fight winning streak to start his career snapped. Now, he has to bounce back after losing the British and Commonwealth light heavyweight titles when he hardly faced any adversity in his career.

Anzeez is being fed another fighter who is eager to rehab his image. However, Hrvoje Sep’s star has plunged much further than Anzeez’s. Sep has gone 2-2 over his previous four fights. He is 12-2 in his career.

Sep won’t have enough to steal a win on foreign soil. Find a prop on this fight, as Anzeez is -5000 to win on the moneyline.

Bets to consider: Under 5.5 round, Anzeez by KO/TKO/DQ

Here’s a look at some other fights not mentioned above: