The stars are ready to be there for Richard Riakporhe’s next fight against Chris Billam-Smith, with a very unexpected guest.
Riakporhe finally gets his long-awaited chance to win the cruiserweight world title when he faces WBO champion Billam-Smith on June 15 at Selhurst Park – the home of his beloved Crystal Palace.
2
Billam-Smith will look to avenge the only defeat of his professional career when he faces the south London slugger in his opponent’s home town.
Riakporhe beat Billam-Smith by split decision five years ago in a WBA intercontinental title fight at London’s O2 Arena.
At the time, the house dust was hidden in the middle of a Dillian Whyte vs. Oscar Rivas fight card.
But with both boxers now firmly established in the cruiserweight division, the world title clash will headline a 25,000-seat stadium and A-list celebrities will flock to attend.
Riakporhe expects some big names to be present at ringside, including pop queen Madonna.
Speaking to talkSPORT Drive with Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on Tuesday, Riakporhe said: “I spoke to Michael Buckley about horse racing, he said he wanted to come down.
“I spoke to Madonna. Madonna says she’ll come if she’s in London, she’ll let me know.
“There are also a lot of celebrities in London… Madonna, she’s enthusiastic. She monitors the posts.
2
“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.”
Billam-Smith clinched the WBO belt by scoring a huge upset over long-time reigning champion Lawrence Okolie last May.
He retained the title against Poland’s Mateusz Masternak four months ago and has now been ordered to defend his title a second time against his mandatory challenger, Riakporhe.
“The Midnight Train” is undefeated at 17-0 and has impressive victories over former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and former European titleholder Tommy McCarthy alongside Billam-Smith on his record.
In his last outing, he stopped Dylan Bregeon in two rounds in Wolverhampton.
The stars are ready to be there for Richard Riakporhe’s next fight against Chris Billam-Smith, with a very unexpected guest.
Riakporhe finally gets his long-awaited chance to win the cruiserweight world title when he faces WBO champion Billam-Smith on June 15 at Selhurst Park – the home of his beloved Crystal Palace.
2
Billam-Smith will look to avenge the only defeat of his professional career when he faces the south London slugger in his opponent’s home town.
Riakporhe beat Billam-Smith by split decision five years ago in a WBA intercontinental title fight at London’s O2 Arena.
At the time, the house dust was hidden in the middle of a Dillian Whyte vs. Oscar Rivas fight card.
But with both boxers now firmly established in the cruiserweight division, the world title clash will headline a 25,000-seat stadium and A-list celebrities will flock to attend.
Riakporhe expects some big names to be present at ringside, including pop queen Madonna.
Speaking to talkSPORT Drive with Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on Tuesday, Riakporhe said: “I spoke to Michael Buckley about horse racing, he said he wanted to come down.
“I spoke to Madonna. Madonna says she’ll come if she’s in London, she’ll let me know.
“There are also a lot of celebrities in London… Madonna, she’s enthusiastic. She monitors the posts.
2
“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.”
Billam-Smith clinched the WBO belt by scoring a huge upset over long-time reigning champion Lawrence Okolie last May.
He retained the title against Poland’s Mateusz Masternak four months ago and has now been ordered to defend his title a second time against his mandatory challenger, Riakporhe.
“The Midnight Train” is undefeated at 17-0 and has impressive victories over former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and former European titleholder Tommy McCarthy alongside Billam-Smith on his record.
In his last outing, he stopped Dylan Bregeon in two rounds in Wolverhampton.
