Unbeaten cruiserweight Riakporhe signs fresh long-term promotional deal

South London cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe has signed a new long-term promotional contract with Sky Sports and BOXXER.

The 33-year-old from Walworth is highly-ranked by all the major governing bodies and is targeting a world title shot this year.

Riakporhe was last in action in January, stopping Krzysztof Glowacki in four rounds in Manchester.

He is 16-0 with 12 victories inside the distance.

“It feels good (to sign the contract),” Riakporhe told Sky Sports. “Security is a major thing. They have delivered and I have delivered, so it only makes sense to continue delivering – for the fans, most importantly.

“I want all the champions. I called them out in my last fight. I’ll call them out again – (Lawrence) Okolie, (Arsen) Goulamirian, (Jai) Opetaia, I mean business this year. I’m going for gold.”

“It’s been a special journey,” added BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom. “When we first signed Richard he had been out the ring 18 months to two years, his first fight was an eight-rounder and then it’s been four back-to-back knockouts.

“It’s been frightening (his progress). [It’s been] explosive – it shows what activity can do to a fighter and now he’s one of the most feared cruiserweights in the country, with ambitions to move up to heavyweight as well.

“This is the year for him to win a world title. I’m very very proud of where he’s come. Now where he is in the cruiserweight, which I would say is the most feared non-champion cruiserweight.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD