Richard Riakporhe insists his lavish life-style away from the ring will not be a distraction as he seeks to fulfil his dream of turning into one in every of boxing’s dominant world champions.
‘The Midnight Practice’ will battle for a world title for the primary time in his profession subsequent Saturday when he challenges Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight belt at Selhurst Park.
Riakporhe’s ascent as one in every of boxing’s fiercest knockout retailers has coincided together with his elevated prominence exterior of the game within the type of modelling work with Burberry and Dior, to not point out being photographed with Madonna.
Having come this far, he has no plans to let something sluggish his path to a title.
“It can, it can [be a risk of distraction], but for me, no, I love boxing,” Riakporhe mentioned on The Gloves Are Off. “You realize, boxing is my every thing.
“I love competing, testing myself, testing my character, understanding and learning who I am as an individual, and I feel like I was built for this.”
Billam-Smith arrives as defending champion having turn out to be the primary particular person to defeat Lawrence Okolie when the British rivals met in Bournemouth final 12 months. It will cap a exceptional rise within the five-year interval since he was dealt the primary skilled defeat of his profession by Riakporhe again in 2019.
The 33-year-old’s life away from the ring is one thing of an entire distinction to that of Riakporhe. Not that he minds.
“I know he does modelling, he’s on the back of a few London buses, so it’s always nice to see those on the way to the gym and get some motivation there,” Billam-Smith joked. “But it’s all irrelevant, isn’t it? I’m not about that life.
“I’ve received a son at residence who’s going to be two by the point the battle comes round. I’ve received my spouse and my household, that is what’s essential to me, not a lavish life-style or something like that. After which relating to me and my very own egocentric objectives, it is boxing and simply being the most effective.
“I love to fight. I love to better myself every day in boxing, and that’s what I continue to do. And that’s what matters to me. And then just showing my son and my family and anyone from my area that may be inspired by me, that it can be done.”
Riakporhe’s journey has been equally staggering, having nearly misplaced his life after being stabbed within the chest on the age of 15 earlier than taking over boxing on the comparatively late age of 19 and since establishing himself as one of many division’s most fearsome world title contenders.
“Losing is not an option for me,” mentioned Riakporhe. “I come from nothing. You wouldn’t understand where I come from.
“It is issues that simply do not should be spoken about, however there is no shedding. So long as I am awake and aware, I am leaving the victor.
“Chris Billam-Smith fans are going to come inside and they’re going to witness a tragedy. Their hero reduced to ashes, and south London prevails.
“I will carry that WBO world title, I can see it and visualise it – WBO cruiserweight world champion, Richard Riakporhe. I deep down consider I am the most effective. I’ve received every thing.”
Billam-Smith and Riakporhe have regularly played down any suggestion that their first fight could have any lasting bearing on next weekend’s clash. For the champion, it is merely another defence.
“I’ve received a compulsory challenger in entrance of me who I’ve boxed earlier than and seen field many instances, so it is not intimidating, it is thrilling,” said Billam-Smith. “It is an thrilling problem. He is a good fighter, however not ok.”
Watch Richard Riakporhe and Chris Billam-Smith commerce phrases on the newest version of The Gloves Are Off, on Sky Sports activities Motion from 10pm on Sunday; Riakporhe challenges Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight world title dwell on Sky on Saturday June 15.