Disagreement over who will get the house dressing room threatens to boil over backstage as Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe put together to conflict for the WBO world heavyweight title at Selhurst Park this Saturday.
Because the reigning champions, Billam-Smith is eager to train his proper to the house dressing room, whereas Crystal Palace supporter Riakporhe, who performed a serious position in bringing the struggle to the house of the Premier League membership, believes it ought to be his.
“Normally the house fighter will get first choose of the locker room,” explains promoter Ben Shalom.
“On this case, Chris is the champion however Richard is an area lad, he has a hyperlink with the membership and he desires to be within the house dressing room.”
Neither fighter is at the moment keen to budge, and with struggle night time quick approaching, a choice remains to be wanted earlier than the stadium occasion.
The British heavyweight rivals met beforehand in July 2019 when Riakporhe received by cut up resolution, handing present champion Invoice Smith what stays his solely profession defeat up to now.
Billam-Smith received the help of his house followers when he challenged and ultimately defeated former world champion Lawrence Okoli on the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth final 12 months.
Riakparje is now making ready to welcome the 33-year-old into his yard for his first likelihood at a world title.
Solely 30 p.c of tickets stay for Billam-Smith vs Riakporje. Get your tickets now through Boxxer.com.
Watch Chris Billam-Smith defend his WBO world heavyweight title in opposition to Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park Crystal Palace, dwell on Sky Sports activities on Saturday 15 June. It’s also possible to stream the struggle through NOW TV.