Dan Azeez claims that Richard Riakporhe possesses a “Deontay Wilder kind of power.”
WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith will face Riakporhe on Saturday at Selhurst Park in Crystal Palace. On the undercard, Azeez takes on Hrvoje Sep of Croatia, and he comes into the fight with a reputation as a boxer whose might would eventually propel him to heavyweight.
After sparring both of the competitors in the main event previously, Azeez, a fellow south Londoner, knows that Riakporhe’s raw power puts Billam-Smith at risk. In 2019, the 34-year-old narrowly defeated Billam-Smith on the same night that Azeez also competed and won the southern area light-heavyweight title.
“Christopher Billam-Smith I’ve had a few altercations with him,” Azeez remarked. “Man, he’s battle-hardened.” He’s been through a lot. He has been there and has gotten better [since 2019]. He’s been doing more.
However, Richard Riakporhe is among the hardest punchers I’ve ever encountered—forget about it now—and that was back when we were amateurs. He can punch. He possesses the same kind of force as [Deontay] Wilder. However, I’m not sure if his lack of movement is a barrier for him.
However, Chris Billam-Smith may find it difficult as he has faced difficult opponents; in fact, in his most recent bout, he defeated Mateusz Masternak. However, those were hard fights that exhausted you. Shane McGuigan, Billam-Smith’s trainer, is thorough, nevertheless. He will undoubtedly have a brilliant strategy.
“I’m excited about it. To be able to sit down and watch it, I really want to be on first. Can I be on the undercard instead of the TV slot, please? I really want to take a seat and enjoy the fight. I anticipate having to wait a little while as I believe I will be on the TV slot.
The 34-year-old Billam-Smith is defending the title he defeated by Lawrence Okolie, who also has large hands, for the second time.
Azeez went on, “I’m going to sound like a fence-sitter.” It’s odd that I’m on the undercard once more because I participated in their first match as well, competing against Charlie Duffield for the southern area title.
“I’ll give it to Richard if it doesn’t last.” I’m going to go for Chris if it ends up lasting. Richard has improved, but he is now more patient and may not be overly preoccupied. Chris, on the other hand, will be vigilant, but this exposes him to potential scandal. He attacks it.
Thus, I’m not sure. And since I like both of them, I’ll tell you that I’m on the fence without any regrets. The victor will be the best man.