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Boxing

Chris Billam-Smith gives verdict on Richard Riakporhe title fight scorecards

Chris Billam-Smith gives verdict on Richard Riakporhe title fight scorecardsJames Fearn/Getty Images
The champion kept his belt.

Chris Billam-Smith defeated challenger Richard Riakporhe on Saturday night to retain his WBO cruiserweight title.

While Riakporhe - who beat Billam-Smith back in 2019 - was a threatening opponent for much of the fight, it was the incumbent who showed superior skills over the course of the fight.

The judges at Selhurst Park were convinced, giving Billam-Smith the win with scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, he said: "That was closer than I thought.

"The right man won. Rich is a great fighter."

His promoter Ben Shalom came away impressed, saying: "Just never, ever, ever bet against Chris Billam-Smith.

"Every single time he comes through - and he was levels above."

Three potential unification fights could be next for the Briton: IBF champion Jai Opetaia, WBA title holder Gilberto Ramirez, and WBC champion Norair Mikaeljan.

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