CBS Riakporhe R6
Another scrappy round but CBS is starting to chain his attacks together a bit more, uppercuts and body punching to boot.
Riakporhe’s power still remains, as evidenced by a whipping right he lands in the final half-minute, but he needs to be busier and quickly.
CBS Riakporhe R5
A third of the way through and Billam-Smith remains a hittable target, so Riakporhe’s resolve will never waver – especially here.
He lands a short right, then gets lectured by the official once more before CBS lands a nice uppercut and some body work up close.
Riakporhe wizzes wide with a right, referee warnings becoming a persistent theme in this stop-start affair now.
CBS Riakporhe R4
Into the fourth they go, Billam-Smith sticks his tongue out after landing a two-punch combo with Riakporhe up against the ropes.
The champion is starting to feel himself now, but can’t allow overconfidence to creep into his work with a heavy-handed challenger ready to respond at any moment. They trade downstairs.
CBS’ jab is sharp but Richard’s right hand a far more scary prospect and that layer of jeopardy will only intensify the more they exchange.
CBS Riakporhe R3
By persistently complaining about Riakporhe’s illegal tactics, CBS is giving the referee a decision to make – but will that allow him to momentarily switch off at the wrong time? We’ll wait and see.
Riakporhe lands a crowd-pleasing right but subsequent work is messy, before again being warned – this time for a low blow and shortly afterwards, leading with his head in the clinch.
Ring any bells? Lawrence Okolie is ringside, after all.
Billam-Smith lands some sneaky body punching to finish another scrappy round, packed with holding and frustration growing.
CBS Riakporhe R2
Billam-Smith begins the second round just as he finished the first, cunning work on the inside while Riakporhe looks to break space.
Referee ticks both off as CBS is unhappy with Riakporhe holding, then the champion absorbs two cuffing right hands as they exchange jabs in centre ring. A more cagey stanza, that one.
CBS Riakporhe R1
Here we go! A month shy of five years on from their first fight, the pair do battle again – both have improved since then, but who will show their mettle on the biggest stage here?
Billam-Smith begins as the aggressor, referee separates them as Riakporhe finds himself against the ropes – twice – then the challenger lands a stiff right hand which wobbles Billam-Smith.
Riakporhe tries maintaining distance with a few jabs, gets ticked off for illegal moves in the clinch as CBS’ dirty boxing works to the bell.