Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe have agreed terms for their rematch and are likely to fight in June.
They will contest Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title five years after, via split decision, Riakporhe inflicted the champion’s only defeat, and await only a date in June and venue before their preparations can be intensified.
“Everything has been agreed upon between the fighters – we are just waiting to agree on a date with the broadcaster [Sky Sports] and we will be ready to go in June,” said Boxxer’s Ben Shalom. “We hope to confirm in the next few days.
“There has been talk of [Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park]. I don’t think it will happen in Bournemouth this time, but it will happen in June.
“We want to make sure everyone is on the same page and has a suitable date that works for everyone. It is a fight that both fighters know they will be having for a long time. It is a rematch – a world title – and a monster occasion.”
Billam-Smith, at 33 a year younger than Riakporhe, won his title from Lawrence Okolie in May 2023 and defended it against Mateusz Masternak of Poland in December. Okolie, 31, had been expected to pursue a rematch, but he has chosen to move to heavyweight and is also waiting for a summer date.
“They told me that it has been tough for them to make cruiserweight in the last three fights,” the promoter continued. “They also think the cruiserweight limit has affected his performance massively, which has not allowed him to be the same fighter.
“Lawrence has a huge opportunity coming up at a higher weight and his dream was to end up at heavyweight. He is a 6’5” guy, so even making cruiserweight like he did was always tough.
“When you get to those stages of your career and making weight is affecting your performances and health that much, he had to move up. We should have news [this] week for a summer fight. He wants to have a good [competitive] fight and prove himself again.”
Asked if Okolie remained with SugarHill Steward, the trainer who oversaw his defeat by Billam-Smith, Shalom responded: “I think that is one for him to answer.”