Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Liakpore are set to meet in an all-British showdown for the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship on June 15th at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace FC, Sky Sports It will be broadcast live on.
Defending champion Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO title for the second time against hard-hitting South Londoner and Palace fan Liakpohe (17-0, 13 KOs), who will defend his WBO title for the second time in his career. This will be his only revenge for his defeat. .
Billiam Smith, known as ‘The Gentleman’, won the WBO title with a memorable victory over former stablemate Lawrence Okolie in May 2023, knocking down the undefeated champion three times along the way. With vitality, he raised his hand in front of the home fans. Bournemouth stadium.
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Watch the best moments of Richard Riakpohe’s split decision win over Chris Billam-Smith in 2019.
Billam-Smith said: “I’m looking forward to delivering an explosive performance live on Sky Sports and giving Bournemouth fans a memorable away day.” “Richard is a good fighter but he has grown a lot since I last saw him and he is going to have a bad night at Selhurst Park.The WBO belt will be with me back at Bournemouth. It will come.”
Liakpohe will compete on the home turf of his beloved Palace, competing in front of his fellow ‘Eagles’ for a coveted chance at world honors.
‘The Midnight Train’ is the only man to defeat Billam Smith in the professional ranks. The two first met in July 2019 at the O2 Arena for the WBA Intercontinental Championship, with Liakpohe winning a split decision.
“My time has come,” Liakpohe said. “The countdown has begun. I am the unstoppable Midnight Train and it’s the end for Chris Billam-Smith. I can’t wait to knock Chris out and take the title. We won.” He did it once and I’m ready to do it again. It won’t be up to the judges this time, and the world title will remain in south London.
“It will be a great feeling to be competing in front of the Palace fans at Selhurst Park and being part of a special moment for the club as they celebrate 100 years of the stadium’s opening. “At a club like Crystal Palace, the support of the club and the fans means everything to me. We will repay that support with a great performance on June 15th.”
The show will be part of history as Funboxing returns to Selhurst Park for its 100th anniversary, taking part in a huge ‘GAME ON!’
The epic Bilam vs. Smith vs. Liakpohe showdown kicks off a huge summer of world-class sport with a blockbuster night of world championship boxing and celebration, with undercard bouts set to be revealed in the coming days.
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Highlights of Chris Billam-Smith’s stoppage win over Mateusz Masternak to retain his world title
Ben Shalom, Founder and CEO of Boxxer, said: “We have teamed up with Steve Parish and the team at Crystal Palace FC to bring boxing to Selhurst Park as part of the stadium’s 100th anniversary celebrations. We are delighted to be able to deliver this historic night.” “This summer’s showdown features a huge main event as Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Liakpore face off for the WBO World Cruiserweight Title.
“Chris Billam-Smith has a huge following on the south coast, with the AFC Bournemouth faithful traveling in droves to support him as he stakes his WBO world title against the only man who can beat him. It would be a dream.” So too for Richard Liakpore, who will be aiming for a world title in front of his fellow Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park, with more big fights to be announced. This is a must-see event in British boxing this summer. ”
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Highlights of Richard Liakpore’s shocking victory over Dylan Brejon by TKO within two rounds
A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace FC. Palace for Life Foundation has been working with communities for over 25 years to support young people’s development and inspire discovery through the power of sport. To take a better path in life and live a healthier life.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “Professional boxing is returning to Selhurst Park with Richard Liakpoli, a huge fan of south London’s Palace, taking on the role of managing director alongside Chris Billam-Smith. I’m really happy about that.”
“The Boxers have a fantastic line-up for this occasion and it already promises to be a great night at SE25 and a fitting tribute to our stadium’s 100th anniversary.”
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