Richard Riakporhe has signed a new contract extension with BOXXER and Sky Sports – and has now set his sights on becoming a world champion.
Ranked at number 2 by the WBO and IBF, whilst rated at number 4 by the WBC, London fighter Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) is hoping huge fights on the horizon.
‘The Midnight Train’ will have a close eye on the upcoming Bank Holiday boxing bonanza in Bournemouth when his arch-rival Lawrence Okolie defends the WBO title against hometown hero Chris Billam-Smith in front of a sold-out Vitality Stadium on May 27.
But the 33-year-old harbors high hopes and ambitions of having his own hand raised in victory and his shoulders draped in championship gold.
Riakporhe said to BOXXER.com: “I was the first to sign with BOXXER after they signed their deal with Sky Sports and my journey so far has been excellent.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing my journey at BOXXER and capturing world honors in the very near future. So keep your eyes on the one and only ‘Midnight Train’”.
BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said he was ‘thrilled’ to cement the immediate future of one the brand’s leading fighters – and is determined to ensure Riakporhe realizes his world title dreams under his leadership.
Shalom said: “‘Richard Riakporhe was one of our first signings at BOXXER, so we’re delighted to announce an extension with him for the business end of his career.
“The cruiserweight division in British boxing and around the world is flying and Richard is in the thick of it all. His progression over the past 18 months has been frightening and he is ready to win a world title.”
In January, Riakporhe destroyed former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki inside four rounds.
Riakporhe started late in boxing when he discovered the sport at 19-years-old – just four years after he survived a terrible incident when he was cruelly stabbed in the chest outside a house party at 15, requiring emergency surgery to drain his lungs of blood.
Remarkably Riakporhe recovered and has never looked back since in a magnificent career both inside and outside of the ring.rts giants adidas.
Since turning pro in 2016, Riakporhe has victories over the likes of Chris Billam-Smith, Tommy McCarthy and Jack Massey.