Chris Billam-Smith efficiently defended his WBO light-weight title for the second time when he defeated Richard Riakpohe at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Now he is prepared for a unification battle towards a rival champion.
Noel Mikaelian, who defeated Ilunga Makabu to win the WBC title final 12 months, has to make a compulsory protection of the belt. However he is desperate to tackle Billham-Smith and is prepared to journey to make it occur.
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Andy Scott and John Dennan weigh in on Chris Billam-Smith’s win over Richard Riakpoh and surprise how far he can go within the sport
“Let’s get began,” Michaelian introduced.
“He is a fantastic man and he has numerous followers within the UK and I am trying ahead to becoming a member of forces to battle him within the UK as a result of boxing within the UK is the largest proper now. The followers within the UK are nice and I might like to battle within the UK,” he stated. sky sports activities.
He warned: “I am quick, I’ve good footwork, I’ve an enormous punch that lots of people do not find out about.
“I am really an undefeated warrior. I defeated Mairis Briedis, [Krzysztof] Wlodarczyk was on their turf and I simply did not get the choice and ultimately I beat Makab who is a good boxer and a heavy hitter in simply three rounds and he did not land a single punch [in],” he added.
“I can adapt to any fashion…anyplace, any fashion.
“I might be glad to share this ring on Billam Smith’s turf.
“It’s nice for the game and I’d like to compete within the UK.”
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Chris Billam-Smith retains his WBO light-weight world title with a unanimous determination victory over Richard Riakpokh at Selhurst Park
However Chris Billam-Smith is getting ready for his personal away day.
He revealed that he’s in discussions with Gilberto Ramirez about assembly the Mexican in a battle to unify the WBA and WBO titles.
“He despatched me a message congratulating me and saying while you’re prepared, let’s stick collectively. I stated the identical factor to him after the battle he had. [Arsen] Gulamillian and I imagine Golden Boy has made contact with the boxer,” Biram-Smith advised sky sports activities information.
“I feel November and December are significant. [for it]. It is a large deal, however I feel it’s going to occur this 12 months.
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Chris Billam-Smith heaps reward on his ‘guru’ coach Sean McGuigan after they caught to recreation plan to beat Richard Riakpoh
“[Fighting] “Zurdo” Ramirez makes me very excited as a result of it’s going to most likely be in america as a result of he fights there,” he added.
“The entire thing about going to America was only a dream of mine. I grew up watching Ricky Hatton and what he was doing right here, after which going to America and doing his factor there. To suppose that is the place I’m. location, it’s fairly loopy. Now my subsequent race will probably be overseas and hopefully in a “Zurdo” race.
“If we are able to try this in Vegas, it will likely be a fantastic unification battle. After which combating Jai Opetaia [the IBF champion] After that, it will likely be wonderful.
“Particularly if Jay can get one other belt and we are able to get the undisputed light-weight title. That might be excellent.”
“The subsequent step have to be unification.”
Boxing promoter Ben Shalom stated: “It was an unbelievable night time at Selhurst Park. Nice environment and a fantastic efficiency from Chris Billam-Smith. Richard Riakporhe can be disenchanted he did not transfer on however Chris is at a better degree.
“The subsequent step for him needs to be unification. It was his third world title battle and he is confirmed he is an elite champion.
“It is all the time been Chris’ dream to battle in Las Vegas. A unification with ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is feasible in Las Vegas. Chris is in a fantastic place. He will get to decide on his opponent. Our The job is to get the choice and battle the very best battle for him.
“From the place he comes from to what he is achieved, I would not guess towards him towards another light-weight champion.”
