LONDON, UK (May 7, 2024) – Former British, Commonwealth and European Light Heavyweight Champion ‘Super’ Dan Azeez joins British boxing’s biggest event of the summer as the latest addition to BOXXER’s star-studded Selhurst Park stadium show on Saturday, June 15th, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

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Azeez returns to action after a thrilling twelve round clash with friend and fellow South Londoner Joshua Buatsi on February 3rd at the OVO Arena Wembley.

The Lewisham man lost a hard-fought points decision to Buatsi in a final eliminator for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Title.

Despite suffering his first career defeat, Azeez’s stock has risen following his ‘Fight Of The Year’ contender and the 34-year-old plans to waste no time in getting back into title contention and targeting the top names in the division.

Dan Azeez said: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. This is my job and I wear this sport on my chest like a badge of honour. I’m ready to put the graft in like I always do to prove I belong at the top of the sport. I always aim for the top and I’m excited to be a part of a huge stadium show in South London, where I am from! Selhurst Park is going to be rocking and I’m excited to put on a show for all the fans who turn out.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “It’s great to see Dan Azeez back in the ring so quickly. I know he will have learnt a lot from such a great fight with Joshua Buatsi. He has become one of the country’s most popular fighters and I now expect him to be well equipped to go right to the top of the division.”

Fans attending the huge GAME ON! show will be part of history as boxing returns to Selhurst Park in its centenary year.

The epic Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe clash tops a huge bill in South London and kick-offs a huge summer of world-class sport with a blockbuster night of world championship boxing and celebrations.

A stacked undercard features Brixton’s Isaac Chamberlain challenging the fierce punching Pole Michal Cieslak for the European Cruiserweight crown.

Ben Whittaker faces undefeated rival and press conference crasher Ezra Arenyeka for the WBA Gold Light Heavyweight belt, plus the return of 19-year-old bantamweight starlet Francesca Hennessy.

A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to the Palace For Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C, which has been working with the community for over 25 years, helping young people grow through the power of sport, inspiring them to find a better path in life and to lead a healthier life.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Integritas Property Group and HELL Energy.

Tickets are on sale now via BOXXER.com

LONDON, UK (April 25, 2024) – Isaac Chamberlain will challenge Polish champion Michal Cieslak for the European Cruiserweight Championship on Saturday, June 15th at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace F.C, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

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Cieslak vs Chamberlain is the first in a series of major undercard announcements confirmed for a blockbuster night of boxing celebrating 100 years of Selhurst Park and headlined by the epic all-British world title showdown between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe for the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship.

Chamberlain (16-2, 8 KOs) was named as mandatory challenger for Cieslak’s European crown following a dominant points victory over London rival Mikael Lawal for the British and Commonwealth Titles at York Hall in October.

The Brixton fighter will make the short trip across South London to Crystal Palace F.C’s Selhurst Park stadium for a second attempt at European glory having previously lost a points decision to Chris Billam-Smith when challenging for the belt in July 2022.

The 30-year-old will face the fierce punching Pole Cieslak (26-2, 20 KOs), a former two-time world title challenger, who captured the European Title with a knockout win over Dylan Bregeon in April 2023 and has since defended the strap with a stoppage victory over former European champion Tommy McCarthy.

Cieslak returns to London following his February 2022 battle with Lawrence Okolie for the WBO World Cruiserweight Title at the O2 Arena and is expected to bring a big Polish fanbase with him to Selhurst Park as he looks to work his way back into world title contention.

Isaac Chamberlain said: “We relinquished the British title to step up to world level. I’m grateful that this is a chance to be European Champion. This will show that I’m world class and destined to be champion of the world. A win over Cieslak puts me top five in all the governing bodies and on the cusp of a world title fight. To get this opportunity on such a big stadium event makes it even sweeter. I’m sure South London is going to turn out and Selhurst Park will be rocking on June 15th when I’m crowned the new European Champion.”

Michal Cieslak said: “My goal is to fight for the world championship again, but I am aware that defending my European title, especially against a dangerous and high rated fighter like Isaac Chamberlain brings me closer to that goal. This is another step for me to reach my dreams. If I want to be world champion, I have to win against rivals like Chamberlain.

“My debut on British soil ended in defeat, so now I will have extra motivation to get even. I’m maturing and making progress with every performance. My last fight ended quicker than I thought it would, so I’m hoping that in the showdown with Chamberlain, I’ll have the opportunity to have fun in the ring a little longer.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re excited to add another huge cruiserweight clash to what’s going to be the must-watch boxing event of the summer. It’s a massive moment for Isaac Chamberlain as looks to claim European glory at home in South London against a formidable champion in Michal Cieslak. This is the first of a series of major undercard announcements for June 15th so make sure you sign up now for access to pre-sale tickets to secure your seat for an unmissable night of boxing at Selhurst Park.”

Mick Hennessy, Manager of Isaac Chamberlain, said: “I’m over the moon for Isaac. He’s had one of the toughest journeys I’ve seen in boxing, yet he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Young men like him are told to abandon their dreams, yet here he is in a fight that will take him one step closer to a World Title. And when he eventually wins it, it really will be a Rocky-esque story!”

Fans attending the huge GAME ON! show will be part of history as boxing returns to Selhurst Park in its centenary year.

The epic Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe clash tops a huge bill in South London and kick-offs a huge summer of world-class sport with a blockbuster night of world championship boxing and celebrations.

A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to the Palace For Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C, which has been working with the community for over 25 years, helping young people grow through the power of sport, inspiring them to find a better path in life and to lead a healthier life.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Integritas Property Group and HELL Energy.

Ticket details to be announced shortly.

Sign up now for access to pre-sale tickets at BOXXER.com

LONDON, UK (April 23, 2024) – It’s game on for Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe in a historic all-British summer stadium world title showdown for the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship on Saturday June 15th at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace F.C, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

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Defending champion Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) will be looking to avenge his only career defeat when he makes the second defence of his WBO World Title against big punching South Londoner and Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs).

‘The Gentleman’ captured the WBO World Title in May 2023 with a memorable win over former stablemate Lawrence Okolie, downing the undefeated champion three times en route to having his hand raised in front of his home fans at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

Riakporhe will get his long-awaited shot at world honours in front of his fellow ‘Eagles’ as the Crystal Palace fan fights at South London’s historic Selhurst Park stadium.

‘The Midnight Train’ is the only man to hold a win over Billam-Smith in the professional ranks. The pair first squared off at the O2 Arena in July 2019 for the WBA Intercontinental Title with Riakporhe judged to have got the better of his cruiserweight rival and awarded a split decision win.

Fans attending the huge GAME ON! show will be part of history as boxing returns to Selhurst Park in its centenary year.

The epic Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe clash kick-offs a huge summer of world-class sport with a blockbuster night of world championship boxing and celebrations. Undercard fights will be revealed in the coming days.

A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to the Palace For Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C, which has been working with the community for over 25 years, helping young people grow through the power of sport, inspiring them to find a better path in life and to lead a healthier life.

Chris Billam-Smith said: “I’m looking forward to giving the Bournemouth fans an away day to remember with an explosive performance, live on Sky Sports. Richard is a good fighter, but I’ve improved hugely since we last met and he’s going to be in for a terrible night at Selhurst Park. The WBO belt is coming back with me to Bournemouth.”

Richard Riakporhe said: “My time has come. The countdown is on. I’m the runaway ‘Midnight Train’ that you cannot stop and it’s the end of the line for Chris Billam-Smith. I can’t wait to knock Chris out and take his title. I’ve beaten him once and I’m ready to do it again. This time it’s not going to the judges. He’s going to be out cold on the canvas and the world title is going to be staying in South London.

“It’s going to be an incredible feeling to fight at Selhurst Park in front of the Palace fans and to be part of a special moment for the club celebrating 100 years since the stadium opened. I’m proud to be from South London and be affiliated with a club like Crystal Palace. The support of the club and the fans means everything to me. I’m going to repay that support with a devastating performance on June 15th.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to be working with Steve Parish and the team at Crystal Palace F.C to deliver a historic night of boxing at Selhurst Park as part of the stadium’s centenary celebrations. We have a huge main event with Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe going toe-to-toe for the WBO World Cruiserweight Title in this summer showdown.

“Chris Billam-Smith has huge support on the south coast, and we expect the AFC Bournemouth faithful to travel in huge numbers to support him as he puts his WBO World Title on the line against the only man to beat him. It’s a dream come true for Richard Riakporhe as he gets his World Title shot in front of his fellow Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park. With more big fight announcements to follow, this is the event in British Boxing not to miss this summer.”

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish said: “We are absolutely delighted that professional boxing is returning to Selhurst Park, with one of south London’s own and big Palace fan, Richard Riakporhe, leading the billing alongside Chris Billam-Smith.

“Boxxer have put together a fantastic line-up for the occasion, and it already promises to be a spectacular night in SE25 – as well as a fitting tribute to our stadium’s centenary year.”

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Integritas Property Group and HELL Energy.

Ticket details to be announced shortly.

Sign up now for access to pre-sale tickets at BOXXER.com

LONDON, ENGLAND – (November 7, 2023) – Top cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe returns to the ring on Saturday, November 18th as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record and remain on course for a world title challenge as part of the BOXXER: WOLVES AT THE DOOR event taking place at The Halls in Wolverhampton and airing live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. 

Standing opposite him on fight night will be former French national cruiserweight champion and two-time EBU European Cruiserweight Championship challenger Dylan Bregeon, who has previously taken WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith and newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Isaac Chamberlain the distance on previous visits to the UK.

WBO ranked #1 Riakporhe joins a stacked show in Wolves topped by a European title double-header as young phenom Adam Azim challenges EBU Super-Lightweight Champion Franck Petitjean and Tyler Denny aims to continues his Cinderella story as he challenges EBU Middleweight Champion Matteo Signani.

Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards is also set for action in a featherweight fight with Walsall’s former British and Commonwealth Champion Brad Foster, while local stars Dylan Cheema, Nyall Berry, Gully Power and Tion Gibbs get their chance to shine on the big stage as BOXXER and Sky Sports return to the Midlands for another unmissable night of boxing. 

“A lot has happened since I’ve been away but on November 18th I am back and reminding everyone why I am the number one contender in this division.”  said Riakporhe.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and founder, said: “It’s been a frustrating few months for us after we did have a world title agreed in France in September. Fortunately, Richard is in a great position and we expect Richard will channel that into his performance on November 18th and come back to the ring with a bang to remind fans – and his fellow cruiserweights – what he’s all about. 

“It’s such an exciting time for the cruiserweight division particularly in the UK. We have Chris Billam-Smith defending his World title against Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth on December 10, Lawrence Okolie preparing for his shot at redemption, and Richard Riakporhe as the WBO’s number one contender waiting for the mandatory to be called. 2024 is going to be an incredible year for the cruiserweights as we look forward to some massive fights between these three men.”

Riakporhe’s undefeated professional career includes tenure as British and WBA Inter-Continental Cruiserweight Champion as well as a win over current WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith, the only loss on Billam-Smith’s record. 

LONDON, ENGLAND – May 2, 2023 – 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 No.2 by the WBO and IBF, whilst rated at No.4 by the WBC, London fighter Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) is on the cusp of greatness with 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 – in BOXXER’s first-ever UK stadium show on May 27.

But the 33-year-old harbours high hopes and ambitions of having his own hand raised in victory and his shoulders draped in championship gold before the year is over after committing his future to Ben Shalom’s BOXXER.

Speaking exclusively to BOXXER.com before officially putting pen to paper on his new deal live on Sky Sports News today, Riakporhe said: “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 honours 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 realises 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.”

Standing at a menacing 6ft 5in, Riakporhe looked sensational in January when he destroyed former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki inside four devastating 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.

Having accomplished a degree in marketing communications and advertising in 2015 from Kingston University, Riakporhe is also now a brand ambassador for global fashion leaders Burberry alongside sports giants adidas.

Since turning pro in 2016, Riakporhe has never lost in his professional career with victories over the likes of Chris Billam-Smith, Tommy McCarthy and Jack Massey proudly on his impressive resume.

Now the quest continues for an elusive world title – with big fight news expected for Riakporhe in due course.

For all the latest news, updates and exclusive content, follow @boxxer and head to BOXXER.com.

RZESZÓW, POLAND – (April 20, 2023) – Some of the biggest hitters in the BOXXER stable were on deck in Poland today for open workouts ahead of this Saturday night’s event at the G2A Arena in the historic city of Rzeszów, live on Sky Sports.

Big opportunities await the winners, with Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois on the radar for Bakole and Richard Riakporhe on the radar for Babic.

<CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PHOTOS>Credit to Boxxer / Lawrence Lustig

With a history of strategic importance stretching back to the mediaeval era and beyond, Rzeszów has witnessed many a major battle during its long history and at the weekend will witness several more as BOXXER makes its first visit to Poland in association with regional partners Knockout Promotions.

The WBC World Bridgerweight Championship is on the line in the main event when Croatian wildman Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) steps up to face Polish counterpart ?ukasz Ró?a?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s) in what is sure to be an incredible firefight – for as long as it lasts.

With a combined record of 23 knockouts from 25 wins, both fighters have a deserved reputation for finishing fights early and throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of a crowd-pleasing conclusion.

The winner will become the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight Champion and reign over a newly-created division named in honour of American schoolboy Bridger Walker, who survived severe damage while protecting his 4-year-old sister from a wild dog attack.

Created by the WBC to “bridge” the gap between cruiserweight and heavyweight, the holder of the division’s championship will open himself up to opportunities in both of those weight classes. 

BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom sees potential opportunities for Babic against the likes of Richard Riakporhe, Frazer Clarke and even Lawrence Okolie – if he wins on Saturday night.

“It’s a tough fight for Babic against a home fighter but he’s a huge fan favourite that brings numbers, so if he can win this belt then that’s going to open up big opportunities for him. Holding a WBC belt opens doors for you and I think he’ll have cruiserweights and heavyweights looking for him,” he says.

“Richard Riakporhe is interested in him. Frazer Clarke, Fabio Wardley and even Lawrence Okolie could all be possible. So let’s see what happens Saturday. Whichever way it goes, it’s going to be a war and someone is getting knocked out without a doubt. I expect it to be crazy.”

Saturday night also marks the BOXXER debut of newly-signed heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s), who has been in the headlines recently after being linked with potential marquee showdowns against Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. 

First though he must face Ukrainian slugger Igor ‘Hulk’ Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s), who is fighting just a few miles from the Ukrainian border and looking to take out a big name and open up opportunities of his own.

“If [Dubois’] fight against Usyk is not happening, after Saturday’s fight the only person I will call out is Daniel Dubois because he’s got the belt. I want to be No 1 for Usyk or anybody,” says Bakole.

“He’s No 1 regular in the WBA and I’m No 2 ranking so that is an easy fight to make so we don’t need to talk too much.

“People are avoiding me now, I have been calling them out, mentioning everybody and nobody has mentioned me or responded. I’ll work hard to be No 1 challenger, so no more avoiding.”

Shalom said, “He’s got to make a statement Saturday night, put him away in six rounds or less then look to see what happens with Usyk, Dubois, Joyce or Zhang. He also wants the Dillian Whyte fight, he wants the Anthony Joshua fight… he’s ready to go!”

Also competing from the BOXXER stable on Saturday night are rising heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV (4-0, 2 KO’s), who faces Poland’s Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s), and an all-British showdown between Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) and Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s). 

Watch live on Sky Sports this Saturday, April 22nd:

WBC Bridgerweight World Title Fight 

?ukasz Ró?a?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s) vs Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) 

Heavyweight Bout (10 Rounds)

Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s)  vs Igor Hulk Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s) 

Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Jeamie TKV (4-0 2 KO’s) vs Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s) Polska 

Light-Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) vs Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s) 

Liam Smith scored a fourth round stoppage over Chris Eubank Jr. in their scheduled 12-round middleweight fight at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round four, Smith hurt Eubank with a hard right in the corner that set off a vicious six-punch barrage that featured a left uppercut and a left hook that put Eubank on the deck. Eubank was badly hurt and tried hold on, but Smith landed another flurry of punches that put Eubank down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:09.

Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 33-3-1 with 20 knockouts. Eubank is 32-3.

Riakphore Stops Glowacki in 4

Richard Riakphore stopped former world champion Kryzystof Glowacki in round four of their scheduled 10-roud cruiserweight bout.

In round four, Riakphore hurt Glowacki with a hard right hand that drove him to the ropes. Four punches later the bout was stopped at 2:44.

Riakphore of England is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Glowacki of Poland is 32-4.

Essuman Decisions Kongo

Ekow Essuman won a 12-round majority decision over Chris Knongo in a welterweight bout.

Essuman of England won by scores of 116-113, 115-114 and 114-114 and is now 19-0. Kongo is 14-2.

Parker Decisions Massey

Former world Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jack Massey.

In round eight, Massey was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Massey was cut over his left eye.

Parker of New Zealand won by scores of 97-97, 96-93 and 97-93 and is now 31-3. Massey is 20-2.

Clarke Stops Espindola in 4

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round four of his scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout with Kevin Espindola.

Clarke of England is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Espindola of Argentina is 7-7.

Richard Riakporhe will officially launch his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, 21 January.

The undefeated Londoner (15-0, 11 KOs) has bulldozed his way into contention to challenge for a coveted crown with three knockouts in his last three fights. 

Now Riakporhe, 32, will be out to claim a major scalp in the form of Poland’s Glowacki (32-3-0, 20 KOs), whose only defeats have come against Oleksandr Usyk, Maris Briedis and Lawrence Okolie.

Riakporhe said: “I’m really pleased that he took the fight. I can test the ‘Midnight Train’ once again and everybody can see how I fare up to the test of facing a former world champion.

“He won’t be a pushover and I have to be at the top of my A game. It is going to be fireworks, believe me.”

Joining the bumper BOXXER: Unleashed undercard – live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Box Office – is Manchester’s own Jack ‘One Smack’ Massey (20-1-0, 11 KOs) who collides with former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker (30-3-0, 21 KOs).

The 30-year-old stablemate of heavyweight king Tyson Fury returns to Manchester, scene of his Fight of the Year candidate defeat by Joe Joyce back in September, intent on getting his own world title ambitions back on track.

But Cheshire-based Massey, whose only ever defeat was inflicted by Riakporhe in 2019, will be looking to cause a monster upset against the Kiwi warrior when he steps up to the heavyweight division for the first time.

Further huge fights for this blockbuster card will be announced in due course.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “We’re adding two major fights – with lots more to come – to what is already a blockbuster night of boxing.

“It’s a massive test and a huge step up for Richard Riakporhe against a former two-time world champion, whose only defeats are to Usyk, Breidis, and Okolie.

“Glowacki has had a long time to prepare for this and it’s a huge cruiserweight fight that could be a headline bout. In what is a very exciting division, it’s crunch time for Richard.

“Local lad Jack Massey has been pushing for a big fight and he has jumped at this test against Joseph Parker. He has got huge support in Manchester and now he’ll be fighting one of the biggest names in boxing.

“Parker is coming back after his Fight of the Year contender with Joe Joyce and will want to show exactly what he is all about. It will be very interesting to see how Parker reacts against a hometown favourite.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com. But hurry – less than 20% remain available. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with Village Hotels. 

London, England – 11th June 2022 – A superb second-round bodyshot sent Fabio Turchi to the canvas in tonight’s BOXXER main event, ensuring that the next stop for ‘The Midnight Train’ Richard Riakporhe (15-0, 11 KOs) will be world title contention .

Aired live and exclusively on Sky Sports, the main event saw London man Riakporhe drop Italy’s Turchi after just five minutes of fighting, his opponent’s corner throwing in the towel in recognition that their man was finished.

It was the first time Turchi had ever been stopped, an achievement underlining Riakporhe’s quality. Now ranked #2 with the IBF as a result of this victory, Riakporhe could be the next challenger for world champion Mairis Briedis.

Tonight’s undercard bouts played out as follows:

Lauren Price def. Valgerdur Gudstensdottir PTS 60-54

Almost one year on from her stunning gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics, Lauren Price started her professional career in emphatic style, comfortably winning all six rounds of her debut bout and displaying impressive hand speed and stinging straight punches throughout.

Price grew and improved through the fight, getting comfortable in the scrappy, physical world of the professional side of the sport. She now looks to keep racking up professional fights and stepping up in quality of opposition all the way to World Championship level.

Zak Chelli def. Germaine Brown UD 98-92, 98-93, 97-94

This fight had fans on the edge of their seats from the second it was announced, and despite a tentative first round, and a general feeling out period in the early stages, the fight came alive and delivered on the hype from then.

Zak Chelli (12-1-1, 6 KOs) walked away a comfortable winner on the judges’ scorecards, having consistently landed the more damaging and effective shots in the middle and late rounds, allowing him to build his lead on the scorecards. Chelli had serious success with the overhand right hand throughout the fight, and profited from the majority of the pair’s exchanges.

Chelli is now the English Super Middleweight Champion and mandatory to challenge for the British Super Middleweight Championship. He’s now a big player in the stacked domestic 168lb division.

Viddal Riley def. Jone Volau KO RD 1 0:51

Viddal Riley (6-0, 3 KOs) showed why he is one of the most popular young fighters in boxing with a stunning one-punch left hook knockout against a tough opponent in Jone Volau. Viddal made a huge statement and now plans to fight twice more before the end of the year on his path up the rankings.

Chris Kongo def. Sebastian Formella UD 97-93, 98-92, 97-94

Chris Kongo (14-1, 7 KOs) had to dig deep and fight hard to take victory over a dangerous, tough Sebastian Formella, winning comfortably on all three judges’ scorecards with scores of 98-92,97-93, 97-94.

The early rounds were cagey, but a few perfectly timed 1-2 combinations in the 6th round gave Kongo control and he never gave it up, pushing on from there to develop his comfortable lead. Kongo came within a few clean shots of stopping the fight in the 10th and final round but Formella showed tremendous heart to stay on his feet and then fire back, defiantly reaching the final bell.

Ben Shalom called this fight “make or break” for Chris Kongo in the build-up, and Kongo lived up to the pressure and took victory, now positioning himself well in the division for big fights soon.

Jimmy Lee def. Ricky Starkey TKO RD 3 – 2:34

Jimmy Lee (2-0, 1 KO) made a huge statement of intent with his inch-perfect performance on the way to a 3rd-round-stoppage tonight. Commanding the ring from the start and consistently flicking out jabs from his low-lead hand and following up with powerful straight left hands.

Lee was barely touched by a game opponent in Ricky Starkey before switching stances multiple times and turning up the pressure in the 3rd round; leading to the TKO victory with under 30 seconds left in the round.

Jeamie TKV def. Jake Darnell – KO RD 1 2:47

Jeamie TKV (2-0, 1 KO) made a huge statement with a devastating knockout in the very first round of his bout with Jake Darnell.

Pushing Darnell from the very first bell, TKV was able to consistently land shots to both the body and head, wearing down a tough opponent that had only previously been stopped by Olympic medalist Frazer Clarke, before connecting with a destructive 1-2 that rendered his opponent unable to meet the count.

Jeamie TKV has shown he has dynamite power on the big stage and in only his second professional fight, and has put every British heavyweight on notice as a result.

Ebonie Jones def. Bec Connolly 60-54

Ebonie Jones (2-0-1) put on an explosive performance on the way to a shut-out victory over 6 rounds, landing clubbing shots from the first to the last round, while also managing the pace and controlling the distance in the quieter portions of the fight.

Jones looked seriously close to getting the stoppage at multiple points across the fight, but Connolly showed toughness and grit to make it the final bell. Ebonie Jones successfully bounced back from a draw in her last fight before tonight, showing why she deserves to be talked about as part of the new generation of British women’s boxing.

Shannon Ryan def. Gemma Ruegg – PTS 40-36

Shannon Ryan (2-0) put on a mature performance to cruise to a perfect points victory in her fast-paced fight with Gemma Ruegg, where Ryan walked away a 40-36 winner.

Watford’s Shannon Ryan varied her offense across the fight, firing to the head and body with both hands and countering Ruegg’s shots with perfect timing. Ryan is a seriously exciting upcoming force in women’s boxing and looks set for a star-studded career.

BOXXER: Riakporhe vs Turchi Results:

Richard Riakporhe def. Fabio Turcho RTD RD 2 1:53

Lauren Price def. Valgerdur Gudstensdottir PTS 60-54

Zak Chelli def. Germaine Brown UD 98-92, 98-93, 97-94

Viddal Riley def. Jone Volau KO RD 1 0:51

Chris Kongo def. Sebastian Formella UD 97-93, 98-92, 97-94

Jimmy Lee def. Ricky Starkey TKO RD 3 – 2:34

Jeamie TKV def. Jake Darnell – KO RD 1 2:47

Ebonie Jones def. Bec Connolly 60-54

Shannon Ryan def. Gemma Ruegg – PTS 40-36

London, England – (June 10, 2022) – Today’s BOXXER weigh-ins saw world cruiserweight contenders Richard Riakporhe and Fabio Turchi come face to face for the final time before tomorrow night’s high-stakes showdown which will move one of them forward towards world title contention.

Here’s the official weights for the fighters taking part in tomorrow night’s BOXXER: RIAKPORHE vs TURCHI event at the world-famous Wembley Arena, live on Sky Sports.

FACEBOOK SKY SPORTS LIVE STREAM: 17.30

FIGHT #1

6×2 Super-Bantamweight Contest

Ebonie Jones 8st 13lb v Bec Connolly 8st 13lb

FIGHT #2

6×3 Heavyweight Contest

Jeamie TKV 17st 9lb v Jake Darnell 17st 6oz

FIGHT #3

4×3 Super-Featherweight Contest

Jimmy Lee 9st 2lb 5oz v Ricky Starkey 9st 3lb

FIGHT #4

4×2 Super-Flyweight Contest

Shannon Ryan 8st 3lb v Gemma Ruegg 8st 2lb 5oz

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS ACTION & MAIN EVENT: 19:00

FIGHT #5

10×3 Welterweight Contest

Chris Kongo 10st 6lb v Sebastian Formella 10st 6lb 5oz

FIGHT #6

6×3 Cruiserweight Contest

Viddal Riley 14st 1lb v Jone Volau 14st 1lb 5oz

FIGHT #7

10×3 English Super-Middleweight Championship

Germaine Brown 11st 13lb v Zak Chelli 12st

FIGHT #8

6×2 Welterweight Contest

Lauren Price 10st 5lb v Valgerdur Gudstensdottir 10st 3lb

FIGHT #9

12×3 IBF World Cruiserweight Title Eliminator

Richard Riakporhe 14st 4lb v Fabio Turchi 14st 3lb 5oz

London, England – (June 9, 2022) -World cruiserweight contenders Richard Riakporhe and Fabio Turchi made their final pre-fight comments at today’s press conference in BoxPark Wembley, London ahead of their headline showdown this Saturday night in the world-famous Wembley Arena, live on Sky Sports.

Below please find quotes from today’s press conference.

RICHARD RIAKPORHE vs FABIO TURCHI

IBF World Cruiserweight Championship Eliminator 

Riakporhe: “This fight is perfect for me because it sets us up for a big world title clash in my next fight, so there’s a lot to fight for”

“We aren’t taking Fabio Turchi lightly, we made sure we covered all areas in training to prepare for this fight so we can go in and deliver what we want to deliver on Saturday night. Every single fight is so important now.”

“This is what I dreamed of doing when I was young, when I first came to boxing. To see it all manifesting just like how I dreamed it is fascinating to see”

“We wanna bring explosive nights, explosive finishes, we wanna show the world how great we are. So we’re going to bring a big knockout on Saturday night”

Turchi: “I’m ready to have a battle on Saturday night. I think this is a very even fight, I have a lot of respect for Richard, so I’m hoping for a great fight. Whether it’s by KO or points, the important thing is to win the fight”

Ben Shalom on Richard Riakporhe: “Richard Riakporhe is going to be an absolutely massive star. He has everything it takes to be a big star outside the ring so now he just needs the opportunities inside the ring. 

“He always finds a way to win, whether it is Deion Jumah, Tommy McCarthy or Chris Billam-Smith. This is going to be a seriously tough fight, Turchi has that knockout power so he has to be careful but this is a springboard into world title contention.”

“He’s not scared of any of the world champions, he’s ready to fight for world titles. With his KO power, there won’t be one cruiserweight in the world who wants to get in the ring with him.”

LAUREN PRICE MBE

Professional Debut

Price: “I’m just looking forward to this fight more than anything. Tokyo feels like a lifetime ago and I ticked every box as an amateur. It was my childhood dream to go to the Olympics and I won gold. Now the new journey starts, and the new dream is a world title, but I’m just taking each fight as it comes, step-ups every time and I’m looking forward to the journey.”

Ben Shalom on Price: “Lauren Price now has the platform to be a massive star, we’ve never seen someone as decorated as here. She’s probably looking at the Katie Taylors and Savannah Marshalls and thinking she can do one better and take it to new heights”

GERMAINE BROWN vs ZAK CHELLI

English Super-Middleweight Championship Bout

Brown: “I’ve been training hard, Zak Chelli’s a good fighter, but me and my team have come up with a perfect game plan that I’m going to execute on Saturday night”

“50/50 fights excite me. A lot of boxers don’t want to take 50/50 fights, but I love them and I love proving people wrong”

Chelli: “IThe better the boxer, the better I perform. I stopped my last opponent who had a similar record to Germaine. People are expecting me to box in this fight rather than go for the stoppage, but I’m going to show on Saturday night that I am a boxer and a puncher by getting a lovely finish”

Ben Shalom on Chelli vs Brown: “One thing I do know is both these guys give it absolutely everything, both fighters will come out of this fight very well, win or lose”

VIDDAL RILEY vs JONE VOLAU

Cruiserweight Bout

Viddal: “One thing I’ve missed is consistency in building that momentum in my career. Now I’m with BOXXER and Sky, I can do that. I’m going to win this one and then fight two or more times this year. This is my homecoming, I’ve boxed around the world but now I’m home. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday night”

Shalom on Viddal: “The level of interest in Viddal Riley is incredible. He’s so well respected across multiple industries. He’s got everything viddal, but the main thing people have to remember is that he’s a serious serious fighter as well”

Jone Volau: “He’s a young star, up and coming talent. I’m just coming in for a great fight and a tear up on Saturday night”

CHRIS KONGO vs SEBASTIAN FORMELLA

WBC International Welterweight Championship Bout

Chris Kongo: “I’m ready to put on a show, but the only thing I’ve been focusing on for the last 8 weeks is Sebastian Formella. I’ve seen loads of him, we’ve been studying him on film. I can’t wait to show what I can do on Saturday night. We all know I come on stronger, later in the fight. We’ll see how it goes and if the stoppage comes it comes.”

Formella: “Chris Kongo is a strong fighter. We’ve prepared for a big and difficult exercise on Saturday night, we’ve had lots of time to prepare for this. The winner of this fight has the opportunity to fight for a very big title”

Ben Shalom on Kongo: “This is a fantastic fight for Chris Kongo. It’s a great opportunity but it’s also a crossroads fight too, he has to perform on Saturday night and has to show why he is world level. If he can get a stoppage that would be a huge statement.”

JEAMIE TKV 

Heavyweight

TKV: “I showed certain skills in my last performance that other heavyweights aren’t able to show. So once looking back at it I was very happy with the performance because I did things I know a lot of very good heavyweights can’t. I know I can get to the top and I can get there very soon, I’ve been in the ring with all these top guys and I hang with them, so I know I’m already operating at a really high level”

EBONIE JONES 

Super-Bantamweight

Jones: “I went back to the drawing board, changed some things, trained really hard, and you’re going to see a different Ebonie on Saturday night”

“If you don’t see a better Ebonie after what I’ve done to push myself in this camp then you never will, I’ve done everything I possibly can to improve”

JIMMY LEE

Super-Featherweight

Lee: “Pleased to get the first one out the way, but now that’s done I’m looking for a better performance on Saturday.”

“I just want to take every fight as it comes, you don’t want to come up too fast and lose, so we just take the fights as they come and get to that top level when I’m ready”

SHANNON RYAN

Super-Flyweight 

Ryan: “I loved my debut, I love performing. I personally believe I put on a very strong performance in my debut. The advice I’ve given myself is to go after everything, to chase everything that I want and you’ll see intelligent boxing on Saturday night”

London, England – (May 3, 2022) – Full steam ahead for ‘The Midnight Train’ Richard Riakporhe as he returns to action at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday, June 11, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, to take on Italy’s Fabio Turchi in an eliminator battle which will see the winner move up the cruiserweight rankings and in prime position to challenge reigning champion Maris Breidis later this year.

With Riakporhe (14-0, 10 KO’s) coming off a stunning knockout victory over Deion Jumah in March and former IBF International Cruiserweight champion Turchi (20-1, 14 KO’s) having a 66% stoppage rate in his victories, this fight matches two proven finishers and promises action from the very start as both men look to score the knockout which will move them on to world championship opportunity.

Bermondsey’s former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris Kongo (13-1-0, 7 KO’s) has a route back into world title contention if he defeats the tough German contender Sebastaian Formella (23-2-0, 11 KO’s) in their International showdown.  

Kongo is raring to get back into pole position after winning his comeback fight against Kelvin Dotel in March following his close points loss to Michael McKinson last year. While Formella is looking for his own shot at the World title and his only two losses have been against Former World Champion Shawn Porter and Connor Benn, pushing both big hitters the distance.

Two of the very best young fighters in the UK, English Super-Middleweight Champion Germaine Brown (12-0, 3 KO’s) defends his title against challenger Zak Chelli (11-1-1, 6 KO’s) in an exciting trade fight.

The two Londoners will both be going into this fight totally confident of victory and certain to put on an eye-catching performance in a 50-50 fight which will delight the nation’s boxing fans and looks set to steal the show.

Also on the card, the long-awaited professional debut of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price MBE.

One of the most highly-touted amateurs in women’s boxing, Price earned the amateur sport’s supreme honour when she won gold last summer. She was subsequently awarded an MBE in recognition of this stunning success. 

She now looks destined to reach the very highest level of the professional sport in the exciting and fast-moving world of women’s boxing, with the first step towards that greatness coming on June 11.

Cruiserweight star Viddal Riley (5-0-0, 2 KO’s) fights in his home city for the first time in his pro career. The Hackney sensation made his pro-debut in November 2018 with a first round KO of Julio Manuel Gonzalez in Mexico and has since fought in Las Vegas (twice) and Dubai. 

Last time out he was on the huge Amir Khan-Kell Brook undercard in Manchester in February registering a six-round points win over Willbeforce Shihepo via a first round knockdown and aims to showcase his power and skill in front of the London fans.

“I’m ready to continue my assault on the cruiserweight division. The Midnight Train is on an unstoppable roll and Turchi is the next man tied to the tracks in front of me. He’s a good boxer and I’m expecting a tough fight but nothing I can’t handle. I’m coming out of this one with the win and stepping up into world title contention,” said Riakporhe.

“I am very happy to have this opportunity. Since I was a kid I always dreamed of fighting at the international level and in an important venue like this. I’m dedicating my body and soul to get into the best shape and have a great match against Riakporhe who I think is an excellent boxer,” said Turchi.

“Richard Riakporhe has been on an unstoppable rise to world title contention and now he’s potentially within touching distance of getting his shot at gold. Turchi is the former IBF International Champion and brings heavy firepower to the ring. This is Riakporhe’s toughest career challenge to date and a win here will make a strong statement about his potential to be world champion,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO.

“The English Super-Middleweight Title showdown between Zak Chelli and Germaine Brown is a fight which every boxing fan in the country will be glued to. It’s impressive that they are willing to fight each other at this stage and lay it all on the line. Don’t be surprised if this is a Fight Of The Year contender.

“Finally, the professional debut of Lauren Price. Olympic gold medalist, MBE – there aren’t many athletes in any sport who have those kind of credentials and we’re proud to be sharing her professional journey and being part of her rise to the top.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “This is shaping up to be a fantastic card. I’m looking forward to seeing ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe roll back into Wembley after that excellent win over Jumah. Another big test awaits as he faces the tough and classy Turchi. 

“The fight between Chelli and Brown is a really good match. We’ve seen some absolutely cracking fights in the English title matches, those fights just seem to deliver incredible action, and this is a 50-50 pick ’em. 

“I’m also really excited to see Lauren Price begin her professional journey. She was a standout amateur and achieved so much for the sport, everyone at Sky Sports is very proud to have her with us and we can’t wait to see her achieve equally huge things in the pro ranks.”

Tickets are on sale from 12pm midday tomorrow, Wednesday May 4 via BOXXER.com priced at £250, £150, £100, £75, £60 and £40. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, Wow Hydrate and Village Hotels.

London, England – Saturday 26 March 2022 – Full steam ahead for Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (14-0, 10 KOs) following an eighth-round stoppage win over Deion Jumah (14-1, 7 KOs) to prove his worth as a world title opportunity.

Headlining Saturday night’s BOXXER card live on Sky Sports, Riakporhe dropped Jumah with a counter right hand in the fourth round then sealed the deal in the eighth, demonstrating his ferocious one-punch knockout power yet again with a wicked body shot that left Jumah on all fours in agony and forced the referee to wave the fight off.

Jumah did prove to be the busier man in the first few rounds, he managed to close the distance against the much taller Riakporhe and landed some well-timed combinations that had Riakporhe questioning at times.

The fight took its time to live to its potential and after four slow rounds Riakporhe came to life with a beautiful overhand right that sent Jumah flying to the canvas, however, Jumah managed to rise to his feet and survive until the bell.

Deion ‘The Ghost’ Jumah replied to the knockdown in the best fashion as he got back to his boxing and landed more combinations inside the distance. The midway point of the fight saw the two equally matched with much cagey atmosphere present.

For the time that it lasted, respects must be paid to Jumah who fought the much bigger man and gave it his all. Riakporhe proved that he is ready to take the next step in his career towards a cruiserweight world title.

With Riakporhe originally to fight Fabio Turchi and Jumah to fight Mikael Lawal, all can applaud both fighters for taking this high-stakes fight. Both have sparred in the past with Jumah claiming to have gotten the better of Riakporhe. Riakporhe was sure to put the facts straight on the night and did with an impressive performance.

Riakporhe entered the fight ranked number seven by the World Bouncing Council with many opportunities awaiting ‘The Midnight Train’ next.

In chief support and following on from his British title victory last time out, Dan Azeez (16-0, 11 KOs) continued his hot streak in the BOXXER limelight with a convincing eighth round stoppage over late opponent Reece Cartwright (23-3, 14 KOs).

In a fight that took its time to catch fire, Azeez earned his victory over Cartwright with his constant pressure and excellent endurance. With the corner of Cartwright throwing the towel in there is an argument that the referee should have stopped the fight a lot earlier.

Although the fight was made on short notice, its storyline was one to watch as the two men met in the amateurs with Cartwright getting the better of Azeez.

Azeez managed to get his revenge but applauds go out to Cartwright and his team for taking the fight on just two weeks’ notice, the fighter from Leeds showed true heart. Azeez will be hoping to get back in the ring promptly to take his first defence of his BBBCofC British light heavyweight title.

One of Britain’s finest rising stars Adam Azim (4-0, 3 KOs) put on a ferocious performance in his fourth professional fight which saw him obliterate Connor Marsden (6-2, 5 KOs) in just 30 seconds of the very first round.

Azim slipped a two-punch combination from Marsden at the very start of the fight and landed a powerful jab right on the button which dropped Marsden in just 12 seconds. When Marsden eventually made it back to his feet, Azim launched out of his corner to make sure he wouldn’t get up again.

In what was meant to be a step-up fight against the Southern Area champion, Azim left all in attendance in complete awe at his explosive speed and power. The 20-year-old from Slough has all the potential to be the next biggest star in British boxing.

The vacant English welterweight title was on the line at the OVO Arena as Louis Greene (13-3, 7 KOs) and Harry Scarff (11-2, 3 KOs) faced off in a competitive ten round fight that saw Scarff fight hard for a unanimous victory, the judges in attendance scored the bout 98-93, 100-91, 100-90.

Scarff became a two-division English champion with his victory over Greene which saw him show well developed boxing skills with the jab working effectively throughout the whole fight.

Caroline Dubois (2-0, 1 KOs) marked her second professional outing in spiteful fashion as she pinned her opponent Martina Horgasz (5-19, 4 KOs) on the ropes in the first round and landed a variety of body punches before the referee stepped in front of the wounded Hungarian.

The 21-year-old lightweight prospect trained by Shane McGuigan has a big 2022 ahead of her as she has plenty of time on her side to improve in the professional ranks.

The explosive and exciting Joe Pigford (19-0, 18 KOs) was back in action on the night with a brutal fourth round knockout over David Romero (12-15, 5 KOs). A monster of a right hand sent the Argentines mouthpiece flying out of his mouth.

The super-welterweight boasts one of the most impressive professional records in the division and possesses all the attributes to go far in the sport.

The Southampton born fighter will be looking to get back in the ring as soon as possible as he remains hungrier than ever for a well-deserved title fight.

Ben Davison trained heavyweight Jeamie TKV (1-0) was taken the distance on his professional debut by the Spaniard Alvaro Terrero (5-16-2, 3 KOs) as he won by unanimous shutout, 40-36.

The 28-year-old from Tottenham landed a lot of hurtful punches but struggled to detonate the finishing blow.

Amateur sensation Jimmy Lee (1-0, 0 KOs) impressed all on his professional debut as he defeated Jose Hernandez (4-41-1, 3 KOs) on a 40-35 points unanimous points decision.

The 18-year-old rangy southpaw demonstrated brilliant boxing skills that dropped his Nicaraguan opponent towards the end of the first round.

Hassan ‘The Hitman’ Azim (3-0, 2 KOs) continued his young career in brutal form with a first-round knockout over Yoncho Markov (4-4, 2 KOs). The right hand from Azim swooped over the guard of Markov that dropped the Bulgarian, convincing the referee to step in.

Former Team GB kickboxer Shannon Ryan (1-0, 0 KOs) started her professional boxing career with an easy 40-36 unanimous victory over Claudia Ferenczi (20-90-8, 10 KOs) from Slovakia.

In the evening’s swing bout, Chris ‘2Slick’ Kongo (13-1, 7 KO’s) made his promotional debut for BOXXER with a shutout points win over Spanish veteran Kelvin Dotel (14-7, 7 KO’s) over eight rounds in the evening’s swing bout.

ENDS

Full fight results

Richard Riakporhe (14-0, 10 KOs) def. Deion Jumah (14-1, 7 KOs) – KO, R8

12×3 cruiserweight

Dan Azeez (16-0, 11 KOs) def. Reece Cartwright (23-3, 14 KOs) – TKO R8

10×3 light-heavyweight

Adam Azim (4-0, 3 KOs) def. Connor Marsden (6-2, 5 KOs) – TKO R1

8×3 lightweight

Harry Scarff (11-2, 3 KOs) def. Louis Greene (13-3, 7 KOs) – UD (98-93, 100-91, 100-90)

10×3, Vacant English Welterweight Title

Caroline Dubois (2-0, 1 KOs) def. Martina Horgasz (5-9, 4 KOs) – KO R1

6×2 lightweight

Joe Pigford (19-0, 18 KOs) def. David Romero (12-15, 5 KOs) – KO R4

6×3 super welterweight

Jeamie TKV (1-0, 0 KOs) def. Alvaro Terrero (5-16-2, 3 KOs) – UD (40-36)

4×3 heavyweight

Jimmy Lee (1-0, 0 KOs) def. Jose Hernandez (4-41, 3 KOs) – UD (40-35)

4×3 super featherweight

Hassan Azim (3-0, 2 KOs) def. Yoncho Markov (4-4, 2 KOs) – TKO, R1

4×3 welterweight

Shannon Ryan (1-0, 0 KOs) def. Claudia Ferenczi (20-90-8, 10 KOs) – UD (40-36)

4×2 super flyweight

London, England – March 25, 2022 – The seminal showdown between top cruiserweight prospects is now official as both Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (13-0, 9 KO’s) and Deion Jumah (14-0, 7 KO’s) made weight today for the main event fight atop tomorrow night’s BOXXER London: Riakporhe vs Jumah card.

Taking place at London’s OVO Arena Wembley and airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports, the headline clash brings to the boil a rivalry which has simmered between the former sparring partners for several years.

Two undefeated records are on the line when the capital’s undefeated cruiserweights collide and, with Riakporhe is on track for world title contention in 2022, a win for Jumah would be a career-breakout moment and open the door to big opportunities. 

“He’s been talking a good game and he’s undefeated, but once I start letting my hands go I don’t think he’s got the condition to withstand the punishment,” said Riakporhe at yesterday’s press conference.

“I’m the superior boxer for sure and if he wants to offload [power shots] the way he has done in the past, then I’ve got something for him,” Jumah retorted.

Also on weight are light-heavyweights Dan Azeez (15-0, 10 KO’s) and Reece Cartwright (23-2, 14 KO’s), with Azeez putting his undefeated record on the line against the former WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship challenger in the chief support slot.

With Cartwright – also the former British Middleweight Champion – stepping in to replace Matthew Tinker, who was forced to withdraw yesterday for medical reasons, Azeez sees the fight as an opportunity to prove he can handle anyone at any time.

“It’s a late change of opponent but to me it makes no difference. I’m the best light-heavyweight in the country and I’m ready to prove that against anyone on a moment’s notice. Reece Cartwright is tough and game but he’s taking nothing from me on Saturday night except a loss,” he said.

Cartwright had been due to compete elsewhere in the UK next weekend and so is fully fit and ready to seize an opportunity which could not only place a championship belt around his waist but also open the door to future big career opportunities.

“I’m fit and ready to fight. I was boxing on my promoter Dennis Hobson’s show next week but when this opportunity came up we jumped at it,” said Cartwright, who holds four stoppage victories from his last five wins.

“I rate Dan Azeez, he’s a quality fighter and he’s the British champion. I saw what he did to Hosea Burton, but I believe I’m more experienced than him and I’ve got it in me to beat him.

“Don’t think that I’m coming in to make up the numbers. I don’t do that – I’m coming to win tomorrow night.”

“Rhys Cartwright was due to box next week and now looks to take advantage of a massive opportunity on a big stage. He’s got great pedigree, great record and he’s coming to win. We’re delighted he has taken this opportunity on short notice,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO.

Having successfully entered the pro ranks with an emphatic win in Cardiff last month, Olympian Caroline Dubois (1-0) – who went 37-3 as an amateur – returns for her second professional contest, facing Hungarian veteran Martina Horgasz.

Lightning-fast lightweight Adam Azim (3-0, 2 KO’s) – one of the top prospects in British boxing today – faces Conor Marsden (5-1, 2 KO’s), while his brother Hassan Azim (2-0, 1 KO) – equally highly regarded – has a four-round contest in the welterweight division against Bulgaria’s Yoncho Markov (4-3, 2 KO’s).

Trained by renowned coach Ben Davison, who counts Undisputed World Super-Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor among his stable, Former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris ‘2 Slick’ Kongo (12-1, 7 KO’s) kicks off his world title campaign with tomorrow night’s fight against experienced Spaniard Kelvin Dotel (14-6, 7 KO’s).

A second Spanish opponent will be opposite one of Davison’s fighters when his heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV makes his professional debut against Alvaro Terrero (5-15, 3 KO’s). TKV’s highly-decorated amateur career included tenure as the Southern Area Heavyweight Champion and English Heavyweight Champion plus a silver medal at the 2019 African Games.

Southampton’s Joe Pigford (18-0, 17 KO’s) – owner of some of the heaviest hands in British boxing – seeks to add yet another stoppage win to his unbelievable record when he faces Argentina’s David Romero (12-14, 5 KO’s). Pigford presently has 94% of his victories by way of KO or TKO. 

The 18-year-old Team England amateur standout Jimmy Lee – winner of eight national titles and a European gold medal – makes his professional debut in a lightweight contest against Jose Hernandez after ending his amateur career with a 94% win ratio (47-3).

The vacant English welterweight championship is on the line in what promises to be a hard-fought, all-action encounter between proven battlers Louis Greene (13-2, 7 KO’s) and Harry Scarff (10-2, 3 KO’s).

Opening the card will be Anthony Joshua’s female prospect Shannon Ryan, making her professional debut. Joshua signed the super-flyweight to his 258 MGMT agency recently and intends to guide her to world champion status in the coming years. She faces Slovakia’s Claudia Ferenczi (20-89, 10 KO’s).

Tickets for this event are on sale at BOXXER.com

SKY SPORTS BOXING FACEBOOK STREAM: 17.00 approx 

FIGHT #1

4×2 Mins Super-Flyweight Contest

SHANNON RYAN 8st (112lb)  v CLAUDIA FERENCZI 8st 7lb (119lb)

FIGHT #2

4×3 Mins Welterweight Contest

HASSAN AZIM 10st 9lb (149lb) v YONCHO MARKOV 11st 1lb (155lb)

FIGHT #3

6×3 Mins Super-Welterweight Contest

JOE PIGFORD 11st 1lb (155lb) v DAVID ROMERO 11st 2lb (156lb)

FIGHT #4

8×3 Mins Welterweight Contest

CHRIS KONGO 10st 12lb (152lb) v KELVIN DOTEL 10st 7lb (147lb)

FIGHT #5

4×3 Mins Super-Featherweight Contest

JIMMY LEE 9st 2lb (128lb) v JOSE HERNANDEZ 9st (126lb)

19:30 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS MAIN EVENT 

FIGHT #6

6×2 Mins Lightweight Contest

CAROLINE DUBOIS 9st 10lb (136lb) v MARTINA HORGASZ 9st 8lb (134lb)

FIGHT #7

10×3 Mins English Welterweight Title Contest

LOUIS GREENE 10st 6lbs (146lb) v HARRY SCARFF 10st 6lb (146lb)

FIGHT #8

8×3 Mins Lightweight Contest

ADAM AZIM 9st 12lb (138lb) v CONOR MARSDEN 9st 10lb (136lb)

FIGHT #9

10×3 Mins Light-Heavyweight Contest

DAN AZEEZ 12st 8½lb (176½lb)  v REECE CARTWRIGHT 12st 9lb (177lb)

FIGHT #10

12×3 Mins Cruiserweight Contest

RICHARD RIAKPORHE 14st 4lb (200lb) v DEION JUMAH 14st 5lbs (187lb)

TV SWING

FIGHT #11

4×3 Mins Welterweight Contest

JEAMIE TKV 17st (238lb) v ALVARO TERRERO 17st 1lb (239lb)

London, England – (March 24, 2022) – London cruiserweight rivals Richard Riakporhe and Deion Jumah faced off today after a press conference which featured the elite crop of today’s top rising talents in British boxing, including light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez, Caroline Dubois and the Azim brothers Hassan and Adam.

Here’s what the main event fighters had to say:

RICHARD RIAKPORHE

Absolutely. I think it’s my time. We lost a bit of momentum with inactivity and now we’re back on the midnight train. We’re moving swiftly, so my next opponent is just another opponent that I need to deal with in good fashion.

Looking into Deion, it’s interesting. He’s been pro for a very long time, only had 14 fights, never had any significant wins. It makes you wonder what is going on with him. He calls himself ‘The Ghost’ – he has been a ghost. It just shows there’s different levels, you know? 

I don’t know, I think there’s something about it. Maybe it’s bad luck [on his part], I don’t know. But we’re going to put our finger on it on Saturday night.

He’s been talking a good game and he’s undefeated as well. I understand how undefeated fighters are quite stubborn but once I start letting my hands go, I don’t think he’s got the condition to withstand the punishment.

DEION JUMAH

I think Richard is still very early in his learning curve. He’s shown a bit more boxing skills over the last two, three fights. But he will have to revert back to his power-punching and offloading heavy shots, going for knockout early in this fight when he finds out I’m the superior boxer. So this is what we expect from him and this is what we know is going to happen.

I’m the superior boxer for sure and if he wants to offload [power] the way he has done in the past, then I’ve got something for him.

BEN SHALOM, PROMOTER

Yeah, it’s exciting. Richard was the first fighter we signed [after the Sky deal] and we had dreams of him headlining and winning world titles. That will happen. Unfortunately Fabio Turchi pulled out and it just shows Richard’s character to take this on. 

Richard will deal with Deion on Saturday night – he’s got a lot of power, he’s dealt with everyone else [domestically] – and then we’ll be on to world titles, but credit for Deion Jumah. Don’t overlook him he’s a he’s a top operator as well. It’s gonna be a crackling atmosphere. I can’t wait.

Media turned out in force today to attend open workouts headed by cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe and his rival Deion Jumah ahead of their March 26 showdown at OVO Arena Wembley, live on Sky Sports.

Joining Riakporhe and Jumah were several standouts from the card, including British light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez, the Olympian and Team GB member Caroline Dubois and the Azim brothers Adam and Hassan.

Here’s what the headline protagonists had to say today:

RICHARD RIAKPORHE

“The girls are often chasing after me so I am not surprised that someone like Jumah wants me too.”  

“The fight makes sense because other opponents fell through and I want to fight. On paper it’s a good fight – he’s southpaw, he can box, he’s undefeated. But I can box southpaw as well, so we will see what happens on March 26. the most important thing is to get the win, by any means necessary. I believe I stop him.”

DEION JUMAH

“I think I beat him over every round and maybe stop him in the later rounds. He’s a big guy, strong puncher but I don’t rate his boxing ability at all. He doesn’t have what I have in terms of boxing skills, in any way, shape or form. 

“He’s beaten a lot of unbeaten fighters, I don’t expect it to be an easy fight but I expect to outbox him. I have to nullify his power and then the opportunities to stop him will present themselves.”

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Headlining the BOXXER Fight Night event will be a key clash in the British cruiserweight division between Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (13-0, 9 KO’s) against rising threat Deion Jumah (14-0, 7 KO’s) in a mouthwatering showdown.

British Light-Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez (15-0, 10 KO’s), who will make his first defence of the belt he won by stopping former champion Hosea Burton in November.

Olympic medallist and Team GB captain Frazer Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) takes the next step of his professional journey and looks to pick up his second win when he faces Spanish power-puncher Gabriel Enguema (10-12, 6 KO’s).

Clarke’s fellow Olympian Caroline Dubois (1-0) will join him at Wembley for her second professional contest, having successfully entered the pro ranks with an emphatic win in Cardiff last month. Younger sister of Daniel Dubois, Caroline won numerous plaudits as a 37-3 amateur and has the potential to become one of the faces of the women’s sport worldwide.

Lightning-fast lightweight Adam Azim (3-0, 2 KO’s) – one of the top prospects in British boxing today – faces Conor Marsden, while his brother Hassan Azim (2-0, 1 KO) – equally highly regarded – has a four-round contest in the welterweight division. 

Former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris ‘2 Slick’ Kongo (12-1, 7 KO’s) aims to get back into world title contention this year and signed a multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER earlier this year in pursuit of that aim.

Trained by renowned coach Ben Davison, who counts Undisputed World Super-Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor among his stable, Kongo will be kicking off his world title campaign on this card. 

Ben Davison will also be in the corner of London heavyweight Jeamie TKV as he makes his professional debut against Luke Batstone. TKV’s highly-decorated amateur career included tenure as the Southern Area Heavyweight Champion and English Heavyweight Champion plus a silver medal at the 2019 African Games.

Southampton’s Joe Pigford (18-0, 17 KO’s) – owner of some of the heaviest hands in British boxing – seeks to add yet another stoppage win to his unbelievable record when he faces Argentina’s Guido Pitto (27-9, 8 KO’s). Pigford presently has 94% of his victories by way of KO or TKO. 

The 18-year-old Team England amateur standout Jimmy Lee – winner of eight national titles and a European gold medal – makes his professional debut in a lightweight contest against Luke Merrifield after ending his amateur career with a 94% win ratio (47-3).

A key clash in the English welterweight division sees Louis Greene (13-2, 7 KO’s) face off with Harry Scarff (10-2, 3 KO’s).

Opening the card will be Anthony Joshua’s female prospect Shannon Ryan. Joshua signed the super-flyweight to his 258 MGMT agency recently and intends to guide her to world champion status in the coming years.

London, England – (March 9, 2022) – A key clash for the British cruiserweight division will headline the BOXXER Fight Night taking place Saturday, March 26 at OVO Wembley Arena as Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (13-0, 9 KO’s) faces rising threat Deion Jumah (14-0, 7 KO’s).

Previously scheduled to face different opponents on the March 26 card, the London cruiserweight rivals are now on collision course following the withdrawal of Fabio Turchi and Mikael Lawal due to injuries sustained in training.

Two undefeated records are on the line in this huge clash of cruiserweights in the capital city. More importantly, Riakporhe is on track for world title contention in 2022 – a win here would be a career breakout for Jumah and open the door to big opportunities. 

“The Midnight Train is on a roll and I’m not letting anything stop me in my tracks. I’m pulling into Wembley Arena once again on March 26 and I’m coming with all the smoke. This one is going to be a treat for the fans,” said Riakporhe.

“I’d actually been watching Riakporhe online a couple of weeks ago. We have all the tools needed to pick Richard apart and stop him – and this is what’s happening on the 26th. I’ve seen loads of weaknesses in him and loads of flaws,” said Jumah.

“Fans will see why I’ve been the most avoided fighter on these shores for so long. They will see that some fighters just need their opportunity. They’ll see why I’ve been saying I’m the best cruiserweight in the country for so many years. This is my time now!”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said, “Richard Riakporhe has shown great progress from fight to fight and he’s on track to secure a world title shot this year. With Turchi pulling out I think it says a lot about his character that he’s willing to take on an unbeaten domestic test like Deion Jumah. It’s a great fight for the fans and it’s a challenge Riakporhe must overcome to achieve his dreams and fulfil his potential.” 

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said “Richard Riakporhe is really gathering momentum as he climbs the cruiserweight ladder and now his brilliant story takes a twist. With Fabio Turchi out, in steps the undefeated and dangerous British southpaw Deion Jumah for a really intriguing fight night live on Sky Sports on March 26th.” 

Also announced for the March 26 card today is British Light-Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez (15-0, 10 KO’s), who will make his first defence of the belt he won by stopping former champion Hosea Burton in November.

Prior to the headline and chief support bouts, Olympic medallist and Team GB captain Frazer Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) takes the next step of his professional journey and looks to pick up his second win when he faces Spanish power-puncher Gabriel Enguema (10-12, 6 KO’s).

Clarke’s fellow Olympian Caroline Dubois (1-0) will join him at Wembley for her second professional contest, having successfully entered the pro ranks with an emphatic win in Cardiff last month.  Younger sister of Daniel Dubois, Caroline won numerous plaudits as a 37-3 amateur and has the potential to become one of the faces of the women’s sport worldwide.

Lightning-fast lightweight Adam Azim (3-0, 2 KO’s) – one of the top prospects in British boxing today – faces Conor Marsden, while his brother Hassan Azim (2-0, 1 KO) – equally highly regarded – has a four-round contest in the welterweight division. 

Former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris ‘2 Slick’ Kongo (12-1, 7 KO’s) aims to get back into world title contention this year and signed a multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER earlier this year in pursuit of that aim.

Trained by renowned coach Ben Davison, who counts Undisputed World Super-Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor among his stable, Kongo will be kicking off his world title campaign on this card. 

Ben Davison will also be in the corner of London heavyweight Jeamie TKV as he makes his professional debut against Luke Batstone. TKV’s highly-decorated amateur career included tenure as the Southern Area Heavyweight Champion and English Heavyweight Champion plus a silver medal at the 2019 African Games.

Southampton’s Joe Pigford (18-0, 17 KO’s) – owner of some of the heaviest hands in British boxing – seeks to add yet another stoppage win to his unbelievable record when he faces Argentina’s Guido Pitto (27-9, 8 KO’s). Pigford presently has 94% of his victories by way of KO or TKO. 

The 18-year-old Team England amateur standout Jimmy Lee – winner of eight national titles and a European gold medal – makes his professional debut in a lightweight contest against Luke Merrifield after ending his amateur career with a 94% win ratio (47-3).

A key clash in the English welterweight division sees Louis Greene (13-2, 7 KO’s) face off with Harry Scarff (10-2, 3 KO’s).

Opening the card will be Anthony Joshua’s female prospect Shannon Ryan. Joshua signed the super-flyweight to his 258 MGMT agency recently and intends to guide her to world champion status in the coming years.

Tickets for this event are on sale now at BOXXER.com

Richard Riakporhe believes he is the “perfect man” to end London rival Lawrence Okolie’s unbeaten streak and hopes that a World Title will be on the line if they ever meet in the future. 

The unbeaten Walworth powerhouse will battle Chapel-en-le-Frith’s Jack Massey for the vacant British Cruiserweight title on tomorrow night’s JD NXTGEN show at York Hall, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘The Sauce’ has cleaned up on the domestic scene, earning the British and Cruiserweight titles, and will now take a big step up in class to fight Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO belt, making a potential showdown with Riakporhe even bigger. 

“Things are heating up,” said Riakporhe. “If he wins that fight, that’s a World Champion, and there’s definitely going to be a domestic dust-up for that title.

“When I come in the ring, I’m not coming to play around, let’s put it that way. I feel like they wouldn’t want to take that fight with me, it’s too risky and too dangerous, but we’ll see. I’ll be surprised.

“The public want to see someone knock out Okolie and I am the perfect man for the job. The rest of the cruiserweights are not strong enough, they are not big enough, and they can’t punch.

“Let’s just say, if that fight got made, I’m turning off my phone and I’m going to live in the gym. My bed, my pillow in the gym. I believe, with me giving everything I’ve got, is enough to secure that win.”

Big wins over domestic rivals Sam Hyde, Tommy McCarthy and Chris Billam-Smith in 2018 and 2019 have pushed Riakporhe’s name up the rankings, but he is fully aware of the threat posed by Massey, who is also undefeated in 16 fights. 

“I think it’s going to be very explosive. Jack Massey is undefeated, you have to take that into consideration. He calls himself ‘One Smack’ Massey, so apparently he can punch.

“We’re going to see. I’m a puncher myself, so what more could we want? Two undefeated fighters in the York Hall, a nice iconic location, we’re going to go for it.

“He hasn’t experienced a fighter like me, the type of will and determination I have, and the type of power, so I think he’s going to be in for a real shock once he jumps in. It’s going to take a lot mentally to be able to stick in there with me, if he doesn’t get knocked out.”

Riakporhe vs. Massey tops a big night of action in the East End, Crystal Palace Light-Heavyweight Craig Richards (15-1, 8 KOs) takes on Newark’s Chad Sugden (11-1, 4 KOs), Luther Clay (12-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight title against Freddy Kiwitt (17-2, 10 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (13-1-1, 3 KOs) meets Dublin’s Craig O’Brien (11-1, 1 KO) in a 10 round Super-Welterweight contest, Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (4-0, 1 KO) looks to end the year in style, Sheffield Lightweight Donte Dixon aims to go 2-0, Light-Heavyweight Malik Kareem makes his pro debut alongside Dagenham Heavyweight Franklin Ignatius and Keighley Super-Bantamweight Ibrahim Nadim.

4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight
IBRAHIM NADIM 8st 10lbs 15oz v MISAEL ZELEDON 9st 2lbs 2oz
(Keighley)                                         (Spain)

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight
FRANKLIN IGNATIUS 16st 1lbs 3oz v HRVOJE BOZINOVIC 15st 2lbs 12oz
(London)                                                (Croatia)

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

4 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
MALIK KAREEM 12st 2lbs 3oz v BEN THOMAS 12st 1lb 13oz
(London)                                        (Bolton)

6 x 2 mins Bantamweight contest
SHANNON COURTENAY 8st 11lbs 8oz v BUCHRA EL QUAISSI 8st 7lbs 4oz
(Watford)                                                       (Spain)

19:00LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

10 x 3 mins WBO Global Welterweight Title
LUTHER CLAY 10st 6lbs 10oz v FREDDY KIWITT 10st 6lbs 13oz
(Bracknell)                                    (London)

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
KIERON CONWAY 11st 2lbs v CRAIG O’BRIEN 11st 4oz
(Northampton)                         (Dublin)

8 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
CRAIG RICHARDS 12st 6lbs 2oz v CHAD SUGDEN 12st 6lbs 9oz
(Crystal Palace)                               (Newark)

12 x 3 mins vacant British Cruiserweight Title
RICHARD RIAKPORHE 14st 2lbs 13oz v JACK MASSEY 14st 1lbs 12oz
(Walworth)                                                   (Derbyshire)

FLOAT

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
DONTE DIXON 9st 4lbs 12oz v VLADISLAVS DAVIDAITIS 9st 5lbs 14oz
(Sheffield)                                   (Latvia)

rank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing:

“Thank you everyone for joining us here in London ahead of Thursday night’s huge JD NXTGEN show at York Hall. It has been an unbelievable year and what better way to finish, this and Friday night in Phoenix, Arizona. We start with the JD NXTGEN card with this whole host of talent. 

“38 shows promoted already this year with 350 fights, 38 World Title fights and for a lot of these guys and girls here today, that’s where they want to be in a few years, big World Title fights. These fighters are the future of the big cards we have coming up. 

“It has been an exciting year and we look forward to finishing it at York Hall. It’s a stacked card from top to bottom and we’ll start off by speaking with some of the debutants looking to take their first steps in the pro game.”

Richard Riakporhe – Walworth, London – 10-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Jack Massey for the vacant British Cruiserweight title:

“I’m feeling good. I’m happy with the opportunities that I’ve received this year, stepping up to the plate. I fought Tommy McCarthy back in March, got the win, I fought Chris Billam-Smith not too long ago and got the win as well. What would end the year perfectly for me would be getting the win over Jack Massey with the British title as well. What more could I want?

“There’s a lot of big fights out there for me in 2020 but we’re not going to overlook Jack Massey. We’ve prepared for him like he’s a true veteran and we’re ready to take the win and get on with it. I don’t see the fight going longer than six rounds. I don’t see it going past six rounds but I’ve trained for fifteen rounds.

“We’re ready for whatever. If Jack wants to box I can box, if he wants to fight I can fight. I believe that I can beat him in every single department. If he wants to have a cookout and see who’s the best chef, then I’ll beat him in a Sunday roast cookout. If I lose in that, I’ll put him in the oven. 

“I’m looking forward to it. I respect Jack Massey as a fighter, I respect him for taking the fight. I’m just ready to showcase my skills.”

Jack Massey – Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire – 10-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Richard Riakporhe for the vacant British Cruiserweight title:

“We had a long camp for the Okolie fight. We trained for 12 rounds so it’s put me in good stead for this. The recovery time for the injury wasn’t long so I was back punching six weeks after the injury so it’s time to go. 

“It’s a massive year after this. I don’t see it going more than six rounds either. He’s confident, get ready for a boxing match.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, London – 15-1, 8 KO’s – fighting Chad Sugden in an 8 round Light-Heavyweight contest:

“Good afternoon everyone. I’m just looking forward to getting out on Thursday night. It’s been a while since I’ve been back out. I’m just focused on this Thursday. I think a few months ago Chad tagged me in a post calling me out. I know that he’s going to come and bring it, he’s willing for the big opportunity and I’m not going to take him lightly. 

“I’m looking forward to going out on Thursday night and making a statement and then going on after that and god willing cleaning up the rest of the division. I’m just focused on Thursday night. What I’m focused on next year is the titles. I want to go out and get that British title after Thursday and have a big year. It’s about ticking them all off. I’m looking forward to going out there and putting on a performance.”

Chad Sugden – Newark, Nottinghamshire – 11-1, 4 KO’s – fighting Craig Richards in an 8 round Light-Heavyweight contest:

“For sure, I wouldn’t be here for any other reason. I believe I can beat Craig, I’ve got all of the tools to beat him. I’ve just got to put it all into place on Thursday night. He’s number 4 in the UK on BoxRec and he’s got a world ranking with the WBA. It’s a massive fight for me but it’s a fight that I took for one reason only and that’s to come and win.”

Luther Clay – Bracknell, Berkshire – 12-1, 5 KO’s – defending his WBO Global Welterweight title against Freddy Kiwitt:

“I’m feeling good and ready to go. I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to defend my title. The guy I won my title off didn’t want to fight Freddy. He said ‘I’ll fight Luther it’s an easier fight’, then he got touched up and now I’m coming for Freddy. I ain’t looking past Freddy, Freddy is a very good fighter. His fight where he won the European title was against Paddy Gallagher who’s a very good fighter. I can’t afford to look past him but I am going to go through him.” 

Freddy Kiwitt – London – 17-2, 10 KO’s – challenging Luther Clay for the WBO Global Welterweight title:

“No I don’t think it’s too early, I think it has come at exactly the right time. It’s god’s timing. I had a great year and this my fourth fight in the third country, and my third title fight as well. I’m really looking forward to this fight.

“I won the WBO European belt at the beginning of the year so this will just add another one to the collection and I just need to win this fight. This is my purpose. He’s just on the way to where I want to be. This is my time now.”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, Northamptonshire – fighting Craig O’Brien in an 10 round Super-Welterweight contest: 

“I’m excited to be back at York Hall and feel really good coming into this one. I am not overlooking Craig O’Brien but I want to get the job done and take one step closer to that British title.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, Hertfordshire – 4-0, 1 KO – fighting Buchra El Quaissi in a 6 round Super-Bantamweight contest: 

“It has been a perfect first year as a professional, four wins. My last fight was definitely a learning curve, she came out flying but we got the job done. I got my first stoppage at York Hall so I’m hoping to return there and getting another win.

“Next year will be a massive year, I am looking forward to it but firstly I am just totally focused on this fight.”

Donte Dixon – Sheffield, Yorkshire – 1-0 – fighting Vladislavs Davidaits in a 4 round Super-Featherweight contest:

“This is my second fight and I am looking forward to it, I’m looking forward to putting on a very good performance. Billy Joe Saunders is a big name who has a lot of connections so I’ll be up there soon.”

Franklin Ignatius – Dagenham, London – making his professional debut in a 4 round Heavyweight contest against Michal Banbula: 

“I’m definitely excited and I’m ready. I am enjoying the occasion, my amateur experience has helped but the most important thing for me is continuing to learn. It’s been a lightning period but I’m enjoying it but I’m ready to show what I’ve got!”

Malik Kareem – Finchley – making his professional debut in a 4 round Super-Middleweight contest against Ben Thomas: 

“It’s been a long camp, I’ve had good sparring and I am just ready to go now. From day one when I started boxing at Finchley, Anthony Joshua has been there for whatever I needed and as a role model. Him getting the straps back has helped me be in a good mood ahead of my pro debut.”

David Price stopped Dave Allen after round ten of a scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout.

Allen seemed to hurt his hand the fight was pulled.

Price is 25-6 with 20 knockouts. Allen is 17-5-2.

In a battle of former world title challenger, Dereck Chisora knocked out Artur Szpilka in round two of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Chisora landed a perfect right hand that sent Szpilka plummeting down and fight was stopped at 1:01.

Chisora 31-9 with 22 knockouts. Szpilka of Poland is 22-4.

Richard Riakporhe took a close 10-round split decision over Chris Billam-Smith a cruiserweight fight.ro

Riakporhe won by scores of 96-93 twice while Smith took a card 95-94.

Riakporhe is 10-0. Smith is 9-1.

Lawrence Okolie stopped Mariano Angel Guidino After round seven of the scheduled 10-round counterweight fight,

In round three, Okollie dropped Gudino with a right hand.

Okolie dropped Guidino three more times in round seven, and the bout wzs stopped upon the bell.

Okolie is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Guidino of Argentina 13-3.

Dan Azeez stopped Charley Duffield in round six of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Azeez could not miss with his right and closed the left eye of Duffield up. The corner threw in the towel at 2:49.

Azeez is 9-0 with six stoppagees. Duffield is 7-2.

Richard Riakporhe says he will beat Chris Billam-Smith “in every department” when he puts his WBA Inter-Continental belt on the line against the unbeaten Bournemouth man at The O2 on Saturday July 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

After going the distance on his professional debut in the summer of 2016, big-hitting Riakporhe has stopped all of his opponents since with every contest bar one failing to reach the fifth round. With just nine fights to his name, the 29-year-old expects to become even more of a problem in his division once he has further refined his skills with trainer Mark Tibbs. 

“It’s real power that I possess, it’s very genuine,” said Riakporhe. “You do not want to get hit, but now all these other fighters, they are going to start taking risks, because I’m boxing now, I’m not just relying on my raw power. The more risks they take, the more dangerous the fight is going to be for them, and they’ll get knocked out.

“I believe I’m the most dangerous, because I have the power and I have transferred my intelligence into the ring. You have to be wary of a fighter like me and I’m dangerous throughout the fight, from the first bell, until the last. You have to be focused throughout the fight. Any mistake you make, I’ll capitalise on it. Just one, that’s all I need.”

Trained by highly-rated coach Shane McGuigan alongside British champion Lawrence Okolie, Billam-Smith shares an identical record of 9-0 (8 KOs) and has also predicted a KO win in this weekend’s crunch Cruiserweight showdown, but Riakporhe holds no fear of ‘The Gentleman’ and is extremely confident that he will get the job done. 

“I think Chris Billam-Smith is a good fighter, it’s just that there’s levels in this game and I feel that I’m on another level. He brings good boxing skill, he’s got a good coach in his corner, but once that bell rings he’s going to understand that there’s different levels of fighting. I don’t think he has been up against an opponent like me.

“All my fights and history shows that I have abnormal power and that’s likely to bring issues when we fight for sure, but we’re not only going to rely on that. We’re going to outbox him and beat him in every department. I just can’t wait to get in there and get to work. I’ve got tons of potential and fight after fight I’m learning news things. I’ve taken these big tests, I came into all these fights as the underdog, and my resume is looking quite impressive.”

Riakporhe vs. Billam-Smith is part of a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Main event sees Brixton’s Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18 KOs) risk his number one spot in the WBC against relentless and undefeated Colombian Oscar Rivas (26-0, 18 KOs), Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (17-4-2, 14 KOs) tackles Liverpudlian Heavyweight David Price (24-6, 19 KOs) in a must-win domestic showdown, former World title challengers Derek Chisora (30-9, 21 KOs) and Artur Szpilka (22-3, 15 KOs) clash in an explosive Heavyweight match-up, Canning Town’s Charlie Duffield (7-1, 6 KOs) clashes with Lewisham’s Dan Azeez (8-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant Southern Area Light-Heavyweight title, Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Cruiserweight title against Mariano Gudino (13-2, 8 KOs), Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (7-0, 6 KOs) continues his march towards a title and Sheffield amateur star Dalton Smith (1-0) fights for the second time.