Riakporhe Edges Closer To World Title Shot

British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe has once again moved a step closer to securing a shot at a world title after defeating Fabio Turchi in an IBF eliminator at Wembley. Riakporhe, who now moves to 15-0, with eleven of those victories coming by way of knockout, is now on course to realise his world title ambitions before the year is out.

Riakporhe, 32, came into the IBF eliminator against a younger man in Turchi, who had only lost on one occasion previously, knowing that nothing less than an impressive win would be enough to put him in pole position for a shot at the division's biggest prize. And the Crystal Palace fan duly delivered by flooring his rival with a powerful left hook to the body. The Italian managed to right himself before the referee stopped counting, but Turchi’s trainer stepped into the ring to prevent the contest from going any further.

Riakporhe, 32, came into the IBF eliminator against a younger man in Turchi, who had only lost on one occasion previously, knowing that nothing less than an impressive win would be enough to put him in pole position for a shot at the division's biggest prize. And the Crystal Palace fan duly delivered by flooring his rival with a powerful left hook to the body. The Italian managed to right himself before the referee stopped counting, but Turchi’s trainer stepped into the ring to prevent the contest from going any further.

Boxxer, who promotes Riakporhe, is also said to have opened talks with Ilunga Makabu, who hails from the DR Congo and holds the WBC belt, while France’s Arsen Goulamirian, who is the WBA “Super” champion, is also said to be an option and willing to take on the Londoner. So, there are options aplenty in the division from abroad. But the one fight that a lot of people want to see is the all-British clash between Riakporhe and WBO title holder Lawrence Okolie. However, the bout between the two could come when the duo move up to heavyweight in the next couple of years.

Riakporhe, who made the decision to switch trainers, is relishing his new lease of life under his new man in the corner Angle Fernandez. Fernandez, who is also a part of Anthony Joshua’s training team, was given a glowing reference by his fighter, “I have power in both hands, my technique was a mess before, now I’ve worked with Angel Fernandez and worked it out.”

Wales Olympic champions Lauren Price, Zak Chelli, Chris Kongo and Viddal Riley also fought on the card and won on the night. Price won all six rounds on her professional debut and Chelli secured the English super-middleweight title on points. Chris Kongo picked up the WBC International Silver welterweight title by unanimous decision, and Riley made light work of fellow Brit Jone Volau, knocking him out in the first round. It proved to be a good night at the office for the home fighters.