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Boxing

Richard Riakporhe reveals strategy used by Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain

Alexander Netherton
Richard Riakporhe reveals strategy used by Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac ChamberlainDAZN

Richard Riakporhe revealed the tactics used by Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain used when they sparred in the gym.

Riakporhe has fought Billam-Smith before, with Riakporhe the winner, but he was also witness to a sparring session between the two fighters who clash this Saturday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I have actually seen them spar. From my memory I remember it was a very, very competitive spar. Very competitive. Chris Billam-Smith was having some successes as well as Isaac. They didn't spar for too long.

"I'll tell you this. That was one of those ones where everybody in the gym just stopped to watch. The spar going back and forth. Chris Billam-Smith coming quite aggressive. Isaac was using his skill, doing his shoulder roll, slipping, rolling. It was like a movie honestly.

"Very entertaining, that's why I'm really looking forward to the fight.”

"We sparred a long time ago," Billam-Smith revealed. "In those first four months as a pro, we did about five rounds once and six another time I think. 

“Good fighter, he's got good variety, tough. Obviously he's never been stopped or anything. Good punch variety, good speed. He's definitely a solid, decent fighter."

"He's definitely a tricky customer. He's got good fast hands. He's got decent power. He's got good variety in his shots, quite slick and it's something I haven't really seen so far in the pros. It's another style to cross off and learn from, it's definitely a tricky fight.

"He's done six rounds since the [2018 Luke] Watkins fight so a bit of an unknown quantity."

Billam-Smith was nevertheless full of confidence, claiming: "I give him zero chance of spoiling the party."

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