RICHARD Riakporhe is closing on his first world title shot.
The British cruiserweight recently put pen to paper on a contract extension to remain with Boxxer and Sky Sports. In return the 33-year-old could face the winner of Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith who fight on May 27 or Frenchman Arsen Goulamirian.
Unbeaten in 16 fights Riakporhe has been on a hot streak of late with four wins inside the distance against Olanrewaju Durodola, Deion Jumah, Fabio Turchi and Krzysztof Glowacki. His promoter Ben Shalom is now confident he can secure him the biggest fight of his career in 2023.
“I think we’re close to a deal now, it’s just going to be a decision as to whether we want the winner of May 27 or go straight into the Goulamirian fight,” Shalom told Sky Sports.
“That will be something where we sit down with Richard and make a decision.
“That’s the beauty of being in a position like Richard’s, he’s got options, but it will be a world title and he deserves it. He feels it doesn’t matter who it is, he’ll be knocking them out. He is the most feared, non-champion out there and he’ll get his chance this year.”
Earlier this year Riakporhe and Okolie were filmed having a brief scuffle at the premiere of Creed III which was over before it started. The two Londoners have built up something of a rivalry which could be settled in the ring sooner rather than later. Riakporhe spoke to Boxing News and gave a scathing review of Okolie’s last title defence against David Light.
“I was watching, and I got to round three or four [and] got on the phone. Watched round seven, fell asleep. Woke up and it was round 11 and thought damn this is dreadful; this is not exciting. A lot of punching and holding. It actually became cringe to watch.”
