Riakpo: "This will be the toughest night of Billam-Smith's career."

"I'm preparing him for the toughest night of his career," promised Richard Riakpo (17-0, 13 KOs), who will step into the ring in nine days for a rematch against Chris Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) and attempt to take away his WBO featherweight belt.

Nearly five years ago, the current challenger sent today's champion to the floor in the seventh round and won by split judges score. Riakpo will now face Bill Smith for the second time as a mandatory challenger.

"I've already beaten him once and he's going to defend the title at my house. It's like an animal going to the slaughter, but it knows it and can't do anything about it. We've both gotten better after 2019, but I've progressed more. If he believes he's going to win, he must be deluded. He said some things I didn't really like and he will have to pay for it. My fans will make him feel very uncomfortable," Riakpo added.