Chris Billam-Smith Next Fight: Who Is ‘The Gentleman’ Fighting Next At Cruiserweight?

As he aims to make a successful second defence of his WBO World Cruiserweight Title, here at SportsLens we outline everything you need to know about Chris Billam-Smith’s next fight. Who is ‘The Gentleman’ fighting next?

Who Is Chris Billam-Smith’s Next Fight Against?

Chris Billam-Smith‘s next fight is almost upon is as the world cruiserweight king aims to make a second successful defence of his world title against fellow Brit Richard Riakporhe.

The pair have history, with Riakporhe having beaten ‘CBS’ back  in July 2019. Riakporhe is the only fighter to have beaten Billam-Smith in a professional boxing ring to date.

This rematch is a compelling one. Despite losing the first fight against Riakporhe, it is of course Chris Billam-Smith who holds the WBO World Cruiserweight Title. This is set to be Riakporhe’s first shot at world honours, as he takes on his former foe in an all-British rematch.

The fight is set for 12 rounds, with a date and venue unconfirmed. However, it is likely this fight heads to the south coast in Bournemouth. This is where Billam-Smith is from and has of course fought numerous times in recent years. ‘The Gentleman’ will be looking to make a successful second defence of his world title in his hometown.

Odds are yet to be officially released, but it is likely that Chris Billam-Smith will go into this fight as a marginal favourite with the best boxing betting sites. This means that Richard Riakporhe will likely be the underdog for this highly anticipated 200-pound clash with UK bookmakers.

Will ‘CBS’ make a successful second defence of his world title in this rematch? Can he retain his belt in his hometown? We’ll find out very soon!

When Is Chris Billam-Smith’s Next Fight?

• 🥊 Boxing Fight: Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe 2
• 📊 Records: Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KO’s) | Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KO’s)
• 📅 Date: TBC
• 🕛 Main Event Time: TBC
• 🏆 Titles: WBO World Cruiserweight Title
• 📺 TV Channel: Sky Sports
•  🏟  Venue: TBC
• 🎲 Fight Odds: Billam-Smith TBC | Riakporhe TBC

Are There Any Belts On The Line In Chris Billam-Smith’s Next Fight?

Having successfully defeated former teammate Lawrence Okolie last time out back in May, Chris Billam-Smith became world champion at the first time of asking.

Okolie was previously the long-reigning champion at 200-pounds, holding the WBO World Cruiserweight Title. ‘The Gentleman’ defeated ‘The Sauce’ on points on May 27th 2023, knocking Okolie down three times in the process too.

This meant that at the first time of asking, Chris Billam-Smith became world champion, lifting the WBO World Cruiserweight Title aloft. He then successfully defended his world title for the first time against Poland’s Mateusz Masternak last time out.

Now, ‘The Gentleman’ aims to make a second successful world title defence against fellow Brit Richard Riakporhe. The pair have history, with Riakporhe the only man to have beaten ‘CBS’ in the professional ring in his career.

Chris Billam-Smith Next Fight Full Undercard

Below is a detailed table of the full Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe fight card. Chris Billam-Smith’s fight is of course the main event in his first world title defence, but there are set to be several undercard fights prior to the big one too.