Richard Riakporhe serves Chris Billam-Smith first pro loss, Lawrence Okolie wins

Both cruiserweights among the winners on the Whyte-Rivas undercard: Lawrence Okolie delivers a lackluster performance while Richard Riakporhe hands Chris Billam-Smith first pro loss.

Richard Riakporhe serves Chris Billam-Smith his first loss and remains undefeated – MatchroomBoxing

Richard Riakporhe handed Chris Billam-Smith his first professional loss via a split decision at the O2 Arena in London tonight. Riakporhe managed to keep is “0” in the fierce fight between the cruiserweights.

Riakporhe (10-0, 8 KO) won on scores of 97-92, 95-94, and 93-96. Billam-Smiths’ defeats land him to 9-1 (8 KO)

Billam-Smith looked technically more advanced for much of the fight, but Riakporhe’s kept things close and tough to figure. His power got to Billam-Smith a few times.

Riakporhe said of his opponent: “I slightly underestimated him. He’s a true fighter and I respect him,” “It was tough, as you saw. We had to dig deep, and I’m used to that.”

Billam-Smith said of the fight that he thought he won. He didn’t believe it was a knockdown but extended respect to Richard. “I knew he’d underestimate me, and I understand why. That’s why we were so confident going in,” Billam-Smith said. Chris admitted: “Maybe I got a bit complacent.”

Riakporhe_O2Arena – MatchroomBoxing

Alen Babic BEAT Morgan Dessaux – KO Round 1

Fabio Wardley BEAT Mariano Diaz Strunz – TKO Round 6

Dan Azeez BEAT Charlie Duffield – TKO Round 6

Lawrence Okolie BEAT Mariano Gudino – TKO Round 7

Dalton Smith BEAT Ibrar Riyaz – TKO Round 2

Richard Riakporhe BEAT Chris Billam-Smith – SD 93-96 97-92 95-94

Dereck Chisora BEAT Artur Szpilka – KO Round 2

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