WE are now seven weeks out from Chris Eubank Jr’s rematch with Conor Benn and undercard rumours are beginning to emerge, the latest of which suggests Joe Joyce could take on Richard Riakporhe in a domestic dust-up in the heavyweight division.
Joyce, 16-4 (15 KOs), has lost four of his last five contests, leaving himself far removed from the world title picture, despite holding the WBO interim title as recently as 2023.
Now 40 years old, many fans have stated their belief that the ‘Juggernaut’ should walk away from the sport, proud of his achievements in both amateur and professional boxing and with his health intact.
However, it seems as though the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist is unwilling to retire just yet, with Boxxer Promoter Ben Shalom telling Ring Magazine that Joyce could take on Richard Riakporhe, 18-1 (14 KOs), on the Eubank-Benn 2 bill.
“We’re pushing for Richard Riakporhe to be on this [Eubank-Benn 2] card. A fight against Joe Joyce is a great British heavyweight fight. Tommy Welch is another option.”
Riakporhe moved up to heavyweight following an unsuccessful challenge for the cruiserweight world title when rematching Chris Billam-Smith last year, which marks the lone blemish of the South Londoner’s professional record.
After a clash with Lawrence Okolie was cancelled earlier in the calendar, Riakporhe made his debut in the division against Kevin Espindola in Riyadh back in May, halting the Argentinian after four rounds of action.
At 35 years old, ‘The Midnight Train’ cannot afford to waste time if he is to rise into heavyweight contention, and Joyce could represent an ideal name and next step.
Another change for Riakporhe is the appointment of Scottish trainer Billy Nelson, who also works with Martin Bakole. Under Nelson’s tutelage, Shalom believes Riakporhe can do ‘serious damage’ in the heavyweight division.
“I always felt that Richard was a heavyweight,”
“It frustrated me that he couldn’t perform at cruiserweight anymore – much like Okolie – the injury withdrawal made that [staying motivated] difficult. We got him back and he looked brilliant out in Riyadh.
“I’m excited for him to get into the heavyweight mix. He can do some serious damage now and sparring Martin Bakole is only a good thing.”
It remains to be seen whether Riakporhe will target the British title and attempt to become the first fighter to claim the Lonsdale Belt at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
