Richard Riakporhe is angling for a world title clash next – and he wants it against a British rival.
The London cruiserweight has been riding on the crest of a wave since returning to the ring under the guidance of Ben Shalom and Boxxer.
Riakporhe, who fights exclusively live on Sky Sports as part of his deal, has an unbeaten record of 15-0 with 11 quick.
And hot on the heels of his June stoppage of Fabio Turchi, which ended in just two rounds at the OVO Arena in Wembley, London, the 32-year-old has called for a showdown with Lawrence Okolie.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Riakporhe said:
“That fight would have happened a long time ago if they were ready, but clearly they weren’t. My resume now just shows what type of fighter I am. We’ve run through most of the division.”
Okolie is the WBO cruiserweight champion and one of the leading fighters in the division. He has just one fight remaining on his deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing that sees his fights aired exclusively live on DAZN.
‘The Sauce’, 29, is 18-0 with 14 early and has been crying out for a unification fight. He was recently called out by newly-crowned IBF king Jai Opetaia, but Riakporhe – who has said that it would also be an honour to face the Australian Ring Magazine champion – hopes to be able to jump the queue.
“I’m confident, comfortable in front of certain fighters, no matter how dangerous they are.”
“I believe in myself. I believe in my power. So I’m in that position now, mentally and physically, and I’m ready for a challenge. I’m ready for a test.”
Riakporhe, nicknamed ‘The Midnight Train’, is a Crystal Palace fan and is dreaming of bringing a big fight to the club’s Selhurst Park stadium:
“We’re going to make it happen.”
“I speak to commercial heads at Palace, all of them are on board and they want to make this happen.
“They’re really behind it and most importantly the fans are. The fans are behind it. They want a Palace boy to win a world title.”