Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe 2: UK start time, TV channel (2024)

just nowBy Wally Downes Jr

Chamberlain vs Massey R6

Massey's sharper to land first and the first minute's action rather exemplifies that, up to this stage. He lands a piercing short uppercut and Chamberlain fires back with more body work, though fleeting.

He's being outworked by the bigger man and while Massey doesn't possess fierce knockout power, is patiently breaking Chamberlain down with sequences like these - landing first, and last.

4 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Chamberlain vs Massey R5

Into the fifth they go, Massey opening up and they exchange shots in the pocket once more. Chamberlain has found a home for the body shot now, Massey happy to rough him up and head-hunt in reply.

Massey lands four consecutive straights, then a powerful right cross as Chamberlain's guilty of being a static target once more.

He finishes the stanza better, but is that enough to sway the judges?

7 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Chamberlain vs Massey R4

Chamberlain digging down to the body well in the opening minute, perhaps he's been read the riot act and told to increase the activity - otherwise he'll follow the same fate Dan Azeez endured earlier.

Massey eats a right cross, then a slick one-two combo but wears it well and responds with his own counter as you can see friend Denzel Bentley and Mick Hennessy, Chamberlain's manager, vocal spectators.

Better round and a timely one, as cameras show newly-crowned WBC bridgerweight world champion Lawrence Okolie doing a roving interview not too far from ringside with Sky. Wonder what he thinks...

11 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Chamberlain vs Massey R3

Massey lands the best punch of the fight so far, a right cross, and Team Chamberlain aren't even engaged in the fight ringside. Neither is their charge right now, being caught by shots you wouldn't expect.

He whips power punches wildly in response but looks a bit bothered by what's coming back his way, needs to be more proactive with attacks. Massey boxing clever, but can't be lured into trading up close.

16 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Chamberlain vs Massey R2

More of the same with feints aplenty, both waiting for one another to show them a tell they can capitalise on.

Massey lands clean first, and more often with a few right hooks, Chamberlain pawing out the jab but not frequent enough just yet.

19 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Chamberlain vs Massey R1

Chamberlain feinting plenty in the early going, pounding body shots in the pocket as Massey - who holds a slight advantage in height and reach - keeps his distance.

You can see Isaac's waiting for the right moment to open up, briefly tagging Massey against the ropes with the right-hand. Cagey opening round but that's no surprise.

23 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Euro gold up for grabs

Commonwealth champ Chamberlain has a smirk on his face, as if he knows something we all don't, as he strolls to the ring. The 30-year-old was originally set to box Michal Cieslak on this bill, before the Pole withdrew with an undisclosed injury and vacated the European title.

Massey wasn't shy in his assessment of a former sparring partner, saying Isaac was too small for 200lbs and should move down to light-heavy.

We're about to find out how well that comment ages.

28 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Isaac Chamberlain up next...

Having vacated British honours at 200lbs, Isaac Chamberlain gets a shot at European gold against short-notice opponent and former sparring partner Jack Massey. Ringwalks coming shortly...

30 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Back to the drawing board

Sep's two career defeats came against former WBO European champion Richards Bolotniks and a majority decision against Barcelona resident Omar Garcia, on enemy territory.

Azeez will be unhappy he couldn't produce a fantastic showing here and rebound from a damaging defeat last time out, but was far too hittable against a Croatian who grew in confidence as time wore on.

37 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez-Sep ends in a draw!

You can hear scattered boos at the decision, 76-76 the final score on referee Bob Williams' scorecard.

Azeez looks bemused and goes over to the visitor's corner, they cordially exchange words but neither man can truly be very surprised.

39 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R8

Final round! They almost take turns to unload their respective attacks, parked in centre ring as Azeez fires low then high.

Sep swings wildly on a hellacious combo with around 30 seconds left, almost kickstarting Azeez into gear again after a lull in the action.

At the final bell, Sep lifts his hand aloft while Azeez looks outside the ring, almost for confirmation about how he fared here...

43 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R7

Azeez briefly pins Sep against the ropes and eats an uppercut flush on the chin for his troubles, as their constant battle for control persists.

The Zagreb resident will not stop throwing, Azeez now outworking his opponent but their frenetic pace has predictably started to slow.

47 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R6

Another gruelling round banked, this bout has been fought at an exhausting pace and Sep having the better of their exchanges.

He landed a series of straights through the guard, though Azeez had the final say in a flurry before the bell. Buddy McGirt in his corner will be urging more intensity, as these final two rounds could decide it.

49 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R5

I'd be interested to see how the judges ringside have this one scored, as Sky's TV broadcast shows their viewers' verdict through four... Azeez is trailing. Needs to be more defensively astute in the pocket!

51 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R4

Azeez jabs his way nicely to a purposeful start in this stanza, though Sep isn't deterred and fires back just as much.

It's also easy to forget Azeez is boxing over eight rounds here, rather than the twelve-round distance he went against Joshua Buatsi in February.

Sep hasn't been scheduled for any more than eight in his seven-year professional career.

54 minutes agoBy Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R3

Azeez refused to look past this assignment when asked about his future in the build-up, and it's easy to see why.

Sep is more than matching his workrate early on and he needs to create more separation - no pun intended - between them, if he wants to wrestle control in his favour right now.

Today, 19:36By Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R2

Sep lands a series of straight shots in the opening minute, as I can spot Chris Kongo taking his seat ringside.

They take turns digging to the body, just as soon as Sep looks to have the upper hand in these exchanges, Azeez walks forward and peppers him with a slick combination as uppercuts follow.

Today, 19:32By Wally Downes Jr

Azeez vs Sep R1

Azeez starts by digging to the body early, pinging Sep backwards with his jab too.

The Croatian across from him isn't afraid to exchange on the inside, and lands a nice right hand through the guard halfway through the round before Azeez responds with a sneaky uppercut.

This looks like we have another battle of attrition on the cards!

Today, 19:28By Wally Downes Jr

Dan Azeez next...

Former British, EBU European and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez makes his in-ring return shortly, in an eight-round contest against 12-2 pro Hrvoje Sep. Ringwalks now.

Today, 19:26By Wally Downes Jr

Touching tribute

Hennessy tells Sky's Andy Clarke post-fight that she lost her grandmother recently and pays tribute after a hard-fought win.

"I lost my best friend, my nan, and the lat few weeks have been really tough. I had to push through for her," she said.

Her head coach, Bradley Skeete, echoes those sentiments: "What she's been through the last few weeks, I don't know how she's done it, kept it so professional."

Today, 19:21By Wally Downes Jr

Hen out of ten!

Fights like these are invaluable for Fran, if she's to reach the heights many expect of her.

Unafraid to trade up close, even when it wasn't a wise tactic to engage, exemplifies her refreshing attitude - but there's plenty to learn and review when the team assess fight footage here.

Hennessy makes a point of applauding Norek and they share a warm embrace post-fight.

Today, 19:13By Wally Downes Jr

Hennessy wins

The referee scores the eight-round bantamweight bout 77-75.

A great learning fight for the young Kent prospect.

Today, 19:12By Wally Downes Jr

Hennessy vs Norek R8

These ladies have worked so hard that the sun has even come to watch.

Both girls are swinging from the turnstiles and emptying the gas tank.

And the bell goes and the warring women hug.

Hennessy should be about to land a points win.

Today, 19:09By Wally Downes Jr

Hennessy vs Norek R7

Hennessy is marked up around her eyes and gets whacked with a right hand.

But, in he first real test, she has never taken a backward step.

Norek has done her best to knock the young Brit out and welcomed her to the real pro game perfectly.

Today, 19:06By Wally Downes Jr

Hennessy vs Norek R6

Hennessy's ringside dad Mick is yelling advice to his girl.

Norek is doing her best to batter her.

This is a great bout for Hennessy, she will have learned lots and gained industry respect after waaaaay to much early hype.