Richard Riakporhe insists his lavish life-style away from the ring just isn’t a distraction as he seeks to fulfil his dream of changing into one among boxing’s dominant world champions.
‘The Midnight Practice’ will struggle 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 among boxing’s fiercest knockout retailers has coincided along with his elevated prominence outdoors 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 gradual his path to a title.
The Gloves Are Off
Sunday ninth June 10:00pm
“It can, it can [be a risk of distraction], but for me, no, I love boxing,” Riakporhe mentioned on The Gloves Are Off. “You understand, boxing is my the whole lot.
“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 change into the primary particular person to defeat Lawrence Okolie when the British rivals met in Bournemouth final yr. It will cap a outstanding 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 a whole distinction to that of Riakporhe. Not that he minds.
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Ellie Scotney and George Groves reveal what they consider may make the distinction in Billam-Smith’s struggle towards Riakporhe
“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 struggle 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 in the case of me and my very own egocentric targets, 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 on boxing on the comparatively late age of 19 and since establishing himself as one of many division’s most fearsome world title contenders.
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Riakporhe made a chilling prediction after it was introduced he would face Billam-Smith at Selhurst Park
“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 have to be spoken about, however there isn’t any 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 elevate 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 the whole lot.”
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 isn’t intimidating, it is thrilling,” said Billam-Smith. “It is an thrilling problem. He is an honest fighter, however not adequate.”
Watch Richard Riakporhe and Chris Billam-Smith commerce phrases on the most recent 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.
