Boxing Rematch: Chris Billam-Smith, the new WBO cruiserweight champion, may explore a surprising step up to heavyweight, while a rematch with his single professional defeator Richard Riakporhe remains very enticing.
Stepping up in weight as a WBO champion would put Billam-Smith in position for a mandatory shot at the WBO championship in the division above. In other words, he might go up to heavyweight and face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois.
Billam-Smith is realistic about the possibility of stepping up to heavyweight, acknowledging Usyk’s unique challenge.
“We’ll see what happens [about his next move at cruiserweight], or I’ll just move up and fight the winner of Usyk vs. Dubois as the WBO mandatory,” he told Sky Sports. Thankfully, there are alternatives.
The Bournemouth star claims he would not be afraid to fight Usyk. While recognising the Ukrainian’s superior abilities, he believes the size difference will not be a problem, even if a long-term move to heavyweight may be a step too far.
“For me, it’s all about financially securing my son’s future. Usyk is a fantastic boxer, but he’s not a gigantic heavyweight. It would be different if it was Tyson Fury. “I’m also a fighter, and I believe I can beat and trouble anyone at any weight,” Billam-Smith stated.
Although he keeps the door open for future options, he appears to prefer sticking at cruiserweight for the time being. “That’s just how I think every fighter is when they have that belief, but never say never,” he remarked. But, for the time being, I think I’ll stick to cruiserweight.
Billam-Smith is excited for a rematch with Riakporhe, picturing a cruiserweight clash akin to David Haye’s battle with Enzo Maccarinelli.
A world championship unification would take their rivalry to new heights. Riakporhe defeated ‘The Gentleman’ for the first and only time in his pro career in 2019 with a split decision.
“It would be appealing,” Billam-Smith said, “but I think there’s talk of him potentially fighting for a world title, so ideally, we unify against each other.”
Riakporhe has been designated as the mandatory challenger for Jai Opetaia’s IBF belt. The thought of both boxers retaining title belts would increase the significance of their rematch, recalling memories of Haye vs. Maccarinelli, a major bout at the time.
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