‘I boxed to a tee’published at 23:44 15 June
Billam-Smith beats Riakporhe by unanimous decision
Chris Billam-Smith speaking to Sky Sports: “Me Shane and Josh had a chat earlier today and it calmed the nerves. I think I boxed to a tee barring one round, really good performance.
“Shane [McGuigan] is a master, the best coach in the world.”
“He [Riakporhe] can punch through all his ranges and the left hand as well, the game plan was spot on from Shane. Really happy with that.”
What next? “Vegas baby. If we can get that fight in America. Take me stateside, let’s get out there.”
“Where the football stadium is in Boscombe [Bournemouth] is Bos Vegas, from there to Las Vegas, what a story.
“That was closer than I thought. The right man won. Rich is a great fighter, we’re all Palace fans this summer having four players [for England] in the Euros. I’ve got great respect for Richard, he’s a great fighter, he just needed more experience.
“The whole show being built around Richard let me focus. There was a few issues at the end of camp but that chat today sorted me right out.”