Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe for the WBO world cruiserweight championship will take place at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park on June 15 and be shown live on Sky Sports. The first intriguing undercard fight has been added to the BOXXER Promotions bill, and it will be Isaac Chamberlain (16-2, 8 KOs) taking on Michal Cieslak (26-2, 20 KOs) for the European cruiserweight championship, with more undercard fights to be announced. Both fighters, Ben Shalom and Chamberlains manager Mick Hennessy, have spoken about a huge opportunity for the Brixton-born fighter on what promises to be a great night of boxing.
Isaac Chamberlain vs. Michal Cieslak
Isaac Chamberlain Ready for June 15 Against Michal Cieslak
Chamberlain will look to win Cieslak’s European crown, which follows a dominating points win against fellow Londoner Mikael Lawal for the British and Commonwealth Titles at York Hall in October. The Brxiton-born fighter will be involved in a huge night for British boxing, which will also mark 100 years of Selhurst Park. This will be the second attempt by Chamberlain to win the European strap after losing to Billam-Smith in July 2022.
“We relinquished the British title to step up to world level,” said Chamberlain. “I’m grateful that this is a chance to be European Champion. This will show that I’m world-class and destined to be champion of the world. A win over Cieslak puts me top five in all the governing bodies and on the cusp of a world title fight.”
Chamberlain continued: “To get this opportunity on such a big stadium event makes it even sweeter. I’m sure South London is going to turn out and Selhurst Park will be rocking on June 15th when I’m crowned the new European Champion.”
Michal Cieslak is Ready
His opponent will be the hard-hitting Pole, Cieslak, who won the European belt after defeating Dylan Bregeon by KO in April 2023. He also boasts a win over former European champion Tommy McCarthy. Speaking on his upcoming title defence, Cieslak said: “My goal is to fight for the world championship again, but I am aware that defending my European title, especially against a dangerous and high-rated fighter like Isaac Chamberlain brings me closer to that goal.”
He continued: “This is another step for me to reach my dreams. If I want to be world champion, I have to win against rivals like Chamberlain.”
“My debut on British soil ended in defeat, so now I will have extra motivation to get even. I’m maturing and making progress with every performance. My last fight ended quicker than I thought it would, so I’m hoping that in the showdown with Chamberlain, I’ll have the opportunity to have fun in the ring a little longer.”
Management Reflect on June 15
Boxxer founder and CEO Ben Shalom expressed the importance of this opportunity for Chamberlain: “We’re excited to add another huge cruiserweight clash to what’s going to be the must-watch boxing event of the summer.”
He continued: “It’s a massive moment for Isaac Chamberlain as looks to claim European glory at home in South London against a formidable champion in Michal Cieslak. This is the first of a series of major undercard announcements for June 15th so make sure you sign up now for access to pre-sale tickets to secure your seat for an unmissable night of boxing at Selhurst Park.”
Mick Hennessy couldn’t hide his delight for his fighter and backed him to pull off the win: “I’m over the moon for Isaac. He’s had one of the toughest journeys I’ve seen in boxing, yet he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Young men like him are told to abandon their dreams, yet here he is in a fight that will take him one step closer to a world title. And when he eventually wins it, it really will be a Rocky-esque story!”
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