Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Liakporhe will fight for the British cruiserweight world title on Saturday at Selhurst Park in London.
The 34-year-old Riakporhe, who beat his rival in 2019, is a challenger for Billam-Smith’s WBO title.
The unbeaten Londoner has home field advantage in his quest to win his first world title.
The only blemish on Bournemouth fighter Billam Smith’s 20-fight record is a narrow points loss to Riakporhe.
Will Biram Smith get revenge on Liakporhe or will the world title change hands?
BBC Sport asked the boxing community, and beyond, for their predictions.
Retired World Super Middleweight Champion George Groves: “I think Billam Smith will win by stoppage between the ninth and 12th rounds.”
Cruiserweight Vidal Riley: “I predict William Smith will win by split decision.
“It will be a tough start as both players will be cautious and Riakporge will likely play into their own hands, but once the action heats up, Billam-Smith should come into his own and take the win.”
Middleweight Denzel Bentley: “It was a good fight and I think both fighters have improved a lot since our first fight. Billam Smith has gained more confidence since becoming world champion and Liakporhe has become more relaxed and has a better punching technique. If Liakporhe doesn’t get a knockout, I think Billam Smith will win on points.”
Former World Cruiserweight Champion, Lawrence Okolie: “Points-wise Billam Smith is the favourite but if Riakporhe can get to him early on I think he’ll win within four rounds.”
European Lightweight Champion Sam Noakes: “I think Billam Smith has what it takes to win again. His last fight was close, but that was a while ago. Since then Billam Smith has been on a roll and boxing at a good level.”
Retired world lightweight champion and boxing coach Anthony Crolla: “It’s a really difficult fight. It’s going to be a great fight and I don’t think it will go all the way to the end like the first one. If Billam-Smith takes as many hits as he did in his last fight against Mateusz Masternak, I think Liakporhe will win within four rounds.”
“But I think Billam Smith will be a lot more defensive than he was last time. He might have to get up off the court, but I think he’ll be able to get some stops down the stretch.”
Former World Super Welterweight Champion Hannah Rankin: “I think Billam Smith has had the better experience, he’s played tougher matches in his career.
“I think Riakporhe will be dangerous in the early rounds but if Billam-Smith isn’t too worn down from the fights he’s had so far I think his experience could see him secure a stoppage victory late in the fight on Saturday night.”
Retired World Title Challenger Paul Smith: “I think Riakporhe will stop Billam Smith at the end of the game.”
Commentator and retired bantamweight fighter Spencer Oliver: “It’s a very difficult decision. I think both players have been through some tough times and will probably come off the court.”
“In a match of this magnitude and with what’s at stake, home advantage could be crucial and I expect Riakporhe to narrowly advance on points difference.”
British middleweight champion Nathan Heaney: ““I’m betting on Billam Smith because he’s fought in big football stadiums before and knows what it’s like. I’ve heard that Riakporje is one of the hardest punchers, but Billam Smith is also a top fighter and a great fighter.”
Retired World Super Featherweight Champion and commentator Barry Jones: “Billiam Smith will look to take advantage of the experience he has gained since the two last met and come out victorious. If he can force Riakporje to fight at a high pace, he may be able to avoid the hard right punches and smooth out the bigger puncher’s attacks. So, it’s going to be Billiam Smith who gets revenge on points.”
Former world cruiserweight champion and boxing commentator Johnny Nelson: “I expect Riakporhe to win by stoppage in the closing stages after a hard-fought fight.”
