A disagreement over who will get the house dressing room is threatening to boil over behind the scenes as Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe put together to face off for the WBO cruiserweight world title at Selhurst Park this Saturday.
As defending champion, Billam-Smith is eager to train his proper to the house dressing room, whereas Crystal Palace supporter Riakporhe, who performed an instrumental position in bringing the battle to the house of the Premier League membership, believes it ought to belong to him.
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Forward of Billam-Smith’s battle with Riakporhe at Selhurst Park, have a look again at among the greatest stadium fights in British boxing historical past
“Usually, the home fighter gets the first choice of dressing room,” explains promoter Ben Shalom.
“In this instance Chris is the champion but Richard is the local lad, he’s got the connection with the club, and he wants to be in the home dressing room.”
Because it stands neither fighter is keen to budge, and with the battle night time quick approaching a decision remains to be required forward of the stadium occasion.
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Watch the very best moments from Riakporhe’s win over Billam-Smith by cut up determination in 2019
The British cruiserweight rivals beforehand met again in July 2019 when Riakporhe emerged victorious by way of cut up determination, handing now-champion Billam-Smith what stays his solely profession defeat so far.
Billam-Smith obtained the assist of his residence followers when he challenged, and finally beat, former world champion Lawrence Okolie at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium final 12 months.
Riakporhe is now getting ready to welcome the 33-year-old into his personal again yard in what’s going to function his first world title alternative.
Solely 30 per cent of tickets stay for Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe. Get your tickets now by way of Boxxer.com.
Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO cruiserweight world title in opposition to Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, stay on Sky Sports activities on Saturday June 15.
