Billam-Smith vs. Riakporhe Undercard Results: Dan Azeez Held To Draw; Francesca Hennessy Wins
Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe are set for their anticipated rematch, this time with a major title at stake. Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 knockouts), The Ring’s No. 1 cruiserweight, risks his WBO cruiserweight belt for the second time. Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs), No. 5 at 200, enters his first title fight but holds a July 2019 win over Billam-Smith.
Their scheduled 12-round bout headlines a Sky Sports/Peacock+ telecast Saturday from Selhurst Park in London.
Dan Azeez Held To Eight-Round Draw In Bounceback Fight
A must-win scenario saw Dan Azeez (20-1-1, 13 KOs) struggle mightily as he barely avoided a second straight defeat. The Ring’s No. 6 light heavyweight was forced to srttle for an eight-round draw versus Croatia’s Hrvoje Sep (12-2-1, 9 KOs) over eight rounds. Referee Bob Williams scored the contest 76-76 to produce the stalemate.
Azeez entered the fight on the heels of a 12-round decision to countryman Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs), No. 3 at 175, on Feb. 3 at OVO Arena Wembley. The eight-round bout versus Sep was intended as a confidence restorer but nearly proved disastrous.
Sep quickly timed Azeez’s right hand and responded in kind. The visiting Croatian also scored with left hooks to the body as he surged ahead midway through.
Azeez’s low punch output and inability to adjust drew concern from Buddy McGirt, Azeez’s head trainer. The Hall of Fame former two-division champ lit into Azeez after the fifth round, as he urged his charge to not look for one punch at a time.
The advice was heeded in rounds six and seven, which saw Azeez return to a steady jab and with right hands behind it. Sep dialed up the pressure in the eighth and final round as he sought a major upset victory. It was still mission accomplished as he held the contender.
Francesca Hennessy Honors Nanny Joan In Win Over Dorota Norek
Opening the five-fight telecast, Francesca Hennessy (4-0, 1 KO) outpointed Poland’s Dorota Norek (7-5, 1 KO) over eight rounds. Referee Mark Bates scored the bout 77-75 for Hennessy, who dedicated the win to her Nanny Joan who passed away on May 12.
Francesa Hennessy pushes through tears during post-fight interview following June 15 win over Dorota Norek, as she pays tribute to her Nanny Joan, who passed away on May 12. Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig, BOXXER
STILL TO COME
10 rounds, light heavyweight
Ben Whittaker (7-0, 5 KOs), West Bromwich, West Midlands, 175.3* pounds
Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka (12-0, 10 KOs), Cheshire via Lagos, Nigeria, 175 pounds
* Whittaker has two hours to shed 5 oz.
12 rounds, cruiserweight
Isaac Chamberlain (16-2, KOs), 200 pounds
Jack Massey (21-2, 12 KOs), Marple, Cheshire, 200 pounds
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