But Billam-Smith has remained unbeaten since, including retaining the cruiserweight crown by beating Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth in December 2023.

“Richard is a good fighter, but I’ve improved hugely since we last met and he’s going to be in for a terrible night,” Billam-Smith said.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe, 34, posted on social media platform X that fighting at Selhurst Park is “a dream come true”.

“I’ve beaten him once and I’m ready to do it again,” he added. “This time it’s not going to the judges.”

Riakporhe was British cruiserweight champion from 2019 to 2020, and is unbeaten in his professional career, his most recent victory coming against Dylan Bregeon in November 2023.