Following an impressive victory over Krzysztof Glowacki at the weekend, Richard Riakporhe was quick to call out the belt holders for a shot at their titles, including fellow Brit, Lawrence Okolie.
It seems like both Okolie and Riakporhe want the fight, which would be a huge all-British clash, likely in the Summer.
Okolie fought just once last year, as he defended his WBO world title for a second time and won a unanimous decision against Michal Cieslak in February.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Okolie spoke directly to Riakporhe and said there were no friends when someone wanted what he has.
“There is no way that someone can come and say that they want a world title from me and I am going to sit here and pretend to be their friend. We are not friends.
Outside of Richard, for some reason, in this weight class, it just makes me laugh. It is almost forcing me up to go up to heavyweight because I see other champions, I am in their dm’s, I am at them, I am talking to them and all I ever hear is excuses. Champions should fight champions and contenders should be dying to fight champions, that is the energy that I am on.”
“Richard is someone who is not scared, he is not afraid. Forget all the other stuff, I just want smoke.”
Riakporhe responded by emphasising his desire for the fight:
“We’ll make it happen, I’m a fighter, I was born to fight, we can make it happen this year, let’s just make it happen this year.”
Before Okolie can think about facing Riakporhe in a domestic cruiserweight title fight, the champion must first get past his undefeated mandatory challenger, David Light, who he is set to fight on March 11th.
A venue is yet to be confirmed for the fight, however it will be promoted by Boxxer, following Okolie’s spilt from Matchroom boxing.