McGuigan: Opetaia the dream fight
Some interesting post-fight press conference comments filtering through…
Billam-Smith: “Richard’s a phenomenal fighter and can punch, you don’t wanna have terminator fights with someone like that, me and Shane [McGuigan] had a 30-minute hotel room chat so I knew what I had to do, was drilled in the changing room so all credit goes his way.”
Shane McGuigan on what’s next: “Challenges is the most important thing, Okolie and Riakporhe clear favourites but he does the business. We want Zurdo or Noel, then Opetaia early next summer – that’s the dream fight.”
Ben Shalom: “Chris was levels above tonight, never write him off… fifth fight and all high-level wins with us, where does the journey go? He’s getting better, haven’t seen him in such good shape and mentally so ready – kept a dangerous fighter looking lacklustre for 12 rounds.”
What’s next?
Ben Shalom just co-signed a unification against Zurdo, while it’ll be interesting to see where next for Riakporhe after falling short here.
CBS was asked for his view, saying: “I thought it was 8-4 [scorecards] at worst, very comfortable and he caught me once. He’s a great fighter but just needs more experience at this level, he’ll be back.”
Some within boxing circles this week have suggested Riakporhe struggled to make the weight and if so, perhaps a bridgerweight move would make sense – local rival Lawrence Okolie is still an option.
CBS meanwhile, will likely rest over the next month or two before assessing his options in a division still lacking a true number one.
CBS: Career-best performance? “I think so”
During his post-fight interview in the ring with Sky, Billam-Smith spoke at length about his team – paying tribute to Shane McGuigan and the rest of his coaches – as well as his own performance.
The biggest difference between him and Riakporhe?
“My experience, speed, gameplan. Shane is a master, the world’s best coach,” before insisting he wants a unification with WBA world champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez next Stateside. Revenge is sweet.