Richard Riakporhe insists his lavish lifestyle outside the ring is no distraction as he seeks to realize his dream of becoming one of boxing’s leading world champions.
“The Midnight Train” will fight for a world title for the first time in his career next Saturday when he challenges Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight belt at Selhurst Park.
Riakporhe’s rise as one of boxing’s fiercest marketers has coincided with his growing notoriety outside the sport in the form of modeling work with Burberry and Dior, not to mention being photographed with Madonna.
Having gotten this far, he has no intention of letting anything slow down his road to the title.
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Watch highlights from Riakporhe’s 2019 split decision win over Billam-Smith
Gloves are removed
Sunday June 9 at 10:00 p.m.
“It’s possible, it can (be a distraction risk), but for me, no, I like boxing,” Riakporhe said on Gloves are removed. “You know, boxing is everything to me.
“I love to compete, to test myself, to test my character, to understand and learn who I am as an individual, and I feel like I was built for that.”
Billam-Smith arrives as reigning champion after becoming the first to defeat Lawrence Okolie when the British rivals met in Bournemouth last year. It would cap a remarkable rise in the five years since he suffered the first professional defeat of his career against Riakporhe in 2019.
The 33-year-old’s life outside the ring is in complete contrast to Riakporhe’s. It doesn’t bother him.
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Ellie Scotney and George Groves reveal what they think could make the difference in Billam-Smith’s fight against Riakporhe
“I know he does some modeling, he’s on the back of a few London buses, so it’s always nice to see those who go to the gym and get a bit of motivation from that,” said joked Billam-Smith. “But all that doesn’t matter, does it? I’m not interested in that life.
“I have a son at home who will be two years old by the time the fight breaks out. I have my wife and my family, that’s what’s important to me, not a lavish lifestyle or anything like that .And then when it comes to me and my own selfish goals, it’s boxing and just being the best.
“I love fighting. I love getting better every day at boxing, and that’s what I continue to do. And that’s what matters to me. And then showing my son, my family and to anyone in my area who might be inspired by me, that it can be done.
Riakporhe’s journey has been equally astounding, nearly losing his life after being stabbed in the chest at the age of 15 before taking up boxing at the relatively late age of 19 and winning ever since as one of the division’s most formidable world title contenders.
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Riakporhe made scary prediction after it was announced he would face Billam-Smith at Selhurst Park
“Losing is not an option for me,” Riakporhe said. “I come from nothing. You won’t understand where I come from.
“These are things that simply don’t need to be talked about, but there is no loss. As long as I’m awake and aware, I walk away a winner.
“Chris Billam-Smith fans are going to walk in and they’re going to witness a tragedy. Their hero burned to the ground, and south London wins.
“I’m going to win this WBO world title, I can see it and visualize it – the WBO cruiserweight world champion, Richard Riakporhe. Deep down, I believe I’m the best. I have everything.”
Billam-Smith and Riakporhe have regularly played down any suggestions that their first fight could have a lasting impact on next weekend’s clash. For the champion, it’s just another defense.
“I’ve got a mandatory challenger in front of me who I’ve boxed before and seen boxed many times, so it’s not intimidating, it’s exciting,” Billam-Smith said. “It’s an exciting challenge. He’s a good fighter, but not good enough.”
Watch Richard Riakporhe and Chris Billam-Smith exchange words on the latest edition of The Gloves Are Off, on Sky Sports Action from 10pm on Sunday; Riakporhe challenges Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight world title live on Sky on Saturday June 15.
