Billam-Smith shatters Riakporhe's Selhurst dream in revenge win

Briton Chris Billam-Smith retained his WBO cruiserweight title with a dominant points win over compatriot Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.

The Bournemouth fighter set the pace and edged the scoring in a scrappy affair which on occasions came alive towards the latter rounds.

Londoner Riakporhe – fighting in front of 15,000 home fans in an open-air stadium – was guilty of excessive holding throughout and deducted a point in the 12th.

Billam-Smith, 33, was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112.

He gained revenge for a points defeat to Riakporhe in 2019 – the only blemish on the champion's 20-fight record.

"That was closer than I thought," said Billam-Smith. "The right man won. Rich is a great fighter."

'The Gentleman' said he is now targeting unification fights and would welcome an away day to Las Vegas next.

Riakporhe, 34, suffered a first career defeat in his 18th pro fight, with his dream of winning a world title at the home of his beloved Crystal Palace Football Club shattered.

Challenger Riakporhe walked to the ring donning a white robe sporting Palace's red and blue colours, with the Premier League side's manager, Oliver Glasner, in attendance.

Billam-Smith has enjoyed great success fighting in front of his Bournemouth faithful, but was competing on away soil for the first time in five bouts and had to endure jeers as he marched to the middle.

He set a fast pace as both boxers – despite having already shared 10 rounds - figured each other out in a quiet opening.

Riakporhe was warned for holding, which became the story of the night, a low blow and use of the head in the third.

Billam-Smith connected with a right hook in the fourth and was edging the rounds with his tidier work.

Celebrities from the world of music - Ellie Goulding, Kano and Tinie Tempah - watched at ringside but the fight took time to live up to its hype.

It unexpectedly came alive in the eighth. Riakporhe was hurt by a counter-left hook but responded with a thudding right before Billam-Smith ended the round on top.

Perhaps aware he needed a stoppage, the aggressive Riakporhe many expected joined the party in the ninth.

A swinging right knocked Billam-Smith's gumshield out and the champion was backed into the corner by an onslaught of left and right punches.

But the success was short-lived and having been deducted a point, Riakporhe cut a deflated figure as he walked back to his corner at the final bell.