Chris Billiam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe: Ben Whittaker grabs his opponent’s throat at the weigh-in

Boxxer promoters say a crowd of 15,000 is expected at Premier League club Crystal Palace’s stadium on Saturday, but there was a low turnout at Friday’s weigh-in at Croydon’s Boxpark.

A crowd of boxing fans mingled with the workers on their lunch break, enjoying the surrounding food stalls.

The few who attended were treated to some fireworks and more bizarre moments from Arenyeka, 28, and Whittaker.

Whittaker became a viral hit for the way he put up seven professional victories, but he showed an aggressive side rarely seen in his short career.

Not even many boxing fans knew of Arenyeka – who boasts an unblemished record of 12 wins – until he broke a press conference ahead of Whittaker’s previous fight.

Billam-Smith won the title last year against former stablemate Lawrence Okolie but looked far from his best in a win over Mateusz Masternak in December.

Londoner Riakporhe is unbeaten in 17 professional fights and took a close points decision against Billam-Smith in 2019.

As Billam-Smith began to smile towards the end of their stare down, Riakporhe remained expressionless.

“You know what, I have to feel my opponent. I have to see if it’s all a facade, it’s just a look. He seems like a good actor,” said Riakporhe.

Australian Jai Opetaia – the IBF and Ring Magazine champion – is the favorite of the organizers in Saudi Arabia and has expressed his desire to fight for the WBO belt.