Richard Riakporhe claims pop legend Madonna wants to go to his next fight at Crystal Palace’s stadium
The stars are set to show out for Richard Riakporhe's next fight against Chris Billam-Smith, with one very unexpected guest.
Riakporhe finally gets his long-awaited shot at a cruiserweight world title when he takes on WBO champion Billam-Smith on June 15 at Selhurst Park - the home of his beloved Crystal Palace.
Billam-Smith will be looking to avenge the only defeat of his pro career when he squares off against the South London slugger in his opponent's home town.
Riakporhe defeated Billam-Smith via split decision five years ago in a WBA Intercontinental title fight at the O2 Arena, London.
At the time, the domestic dust-up was tucked away in the middle of a Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas fight card.
But with both boxers now firmly established in the cruiserweight division, the world title clash is headlining a 25,000-seater stadium with A-list celebrities clambering to attend.
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Riakporhe is expecting some massive names to be watching on from ringside, including pop queen Madonna.
Speaking to talkSPORT Drive with Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on Tuesday, Riakporhe said: "I've been speaking to Michael Buckley from the horse racing, he said he wants to come down.
"I spoke to Madonna. Madonna says she's going to come down if she's in London, she's going to keep me updated.
"Loads of celebrities in London as well... Madonna, she's keen. She's been looking out for the posts.
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"She's on tour right now and she's in Mexico but she said she wants to come to the fight.
"It's going to be crazy and that's just the tip of the iceberg."
Billam-Smith picked up the WBO belt by scoring a massive upset over long-reigning champion Lawrence Okolie last May.
He went on to retain the strap against Poland's Mateusz Masternak four months ago and has now been ordered to make a second defence of his title against mandatory challenger, Riakporhe.
'The Midnight Train' is undefeated at 17-0 and holds impressive wins over former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and ex-European titleholder Tommy McCarthy alongside Billam-Smith on his record.
In his last outing, he stopped Dylan Bregeon inside two rounds in Wolverhampton.