Chris Billam-Smith will defend his WBO cruiserweight title in a domestic showdown against Richard Riakporhe this summer.
The British rivals will meet in the ring for a second time at Selhurst Park – the home of Riakporhe’s beloved Crystal Palace.
Billam-Smith is no stranger to fighting inside a Premier League ground following his title triumph at Bournemouth’s Vitality stadium.
The 33-year-old picked up the WBO belt by scoring a massive upset over long-reigning champion Lawrence Okolie last May.
He retained the strap against Poland’s Mateusz Masternak seven months later and will now be out for revenge in the second defence of his title against mandatory challenger, Riakporhe.
Riakporhe defeated Billam-Smith via split decision five years ago in a WBA Intercontinental title fight at The O2 Arena.
That remains the only loss of ‘The Gentleman’s’ career, while ‘The Midnight Train’ is undefeated at 17-0.
Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe: How to follow
This WBO cruiserweight title fight is scheduled for Saturday, June 15.
It will be held at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park in south London.
The event will start at 7pm UK time, with the ringwalks for the main event set for 10pm.
It will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena.
Existing customers will be able to watch for free and for those without Sky Sports can find more details on how to subscribe here.
talkSPORT will have live updates throughout fight week, while talkSPORT.com will provide the best of the reaction as well.
Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe: Undercard
More to follow…
- MAIN EVENT: Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe; For WBO cruiserweight title
Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe: What has been said?
Riakporhe is expecting some massive names to be watching on from ringside this summer, including pop queen Madonna.
Speaking to talkSPORT Drive with Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on Tuesday, Riakporhe said: “I’ve been speaking to Michael Buckley from the horse racing, he said he wants to come down.
“I spoke to Madonna. Madonna says she’s going to come down if she’s in London, she’s going to keep me updated.
“Loads of celebrities in London as well… Madonna, she’s keen. She’s been looking out for the posts.
“She’s on tour right now and she’s in Mexico but she said she wants to come to the fight.
“It’s going to be crazy and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
News Summary:
- Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe: Date, start time, undercard and how to follow as domestic rivals clash in title fight at Crystal Palace’s stadium
- Check all news and articles from the latest Boxing updates.