CHRIS Billam-Smith will head to London to defend his world title against Richard Riakporhe in June.

Bournemouth hero Billam-Smith has had his last four fights in his hometown, his crowning glory coming with victory over Lawrence Okolie at Vitality Stadium last summer.

But he will now hit the road to take on 34-year-old Riakporhe at Crystal Palace FC’s Selhurst Park on Saturday, June 15.

Londoner Riakporhe (17-0) is the only man to inflict professional defeat on Billam-Smith (19-1), by controversial split decision at the O2 Arena in July 2019.

Billam-Smith, 33, last fought in December, stopping experienced Pole Mateusz Masternak at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Big-hitting Riakporhe secured knockout wins over Krzysztof Glowacki and Dylan Bregeon last year.

WBO cruiserweight champion Billam-Smith told Sky Sports: “I’m looking forward to giving the Bournemouth fans an away day to remember with an explosive performance.”