"I'm monster and it's just a matter of time," Richard Riakporhe has warned that cruiserweight rivals cannot avoid him after he lined up a WBC title fight following a fifth round stoppage of Olanrewaju Durodola
Sunday 21 November 2021 16:27, UK
Richard Riakporhe described himself as "a monster" after demolishing Olanrewaju Durodola and says cruiserweight rivals "have been hiding from me".
The British cruiserweight contender delivered a career-best victory, stopping Durodola in the fifth round of a WBC title eliminator at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Riakporhe extended his unbeaten record to 13 victories, with nine stoppages, and believes he can become a fearsome champion.
"You know what, I think that was a decent performance," Riakporhe told Sky Sports.
"I was listening to my coach, listening to my corner, and I'm just hungry.
"I've been out of the ring for 22 months. I fought a month ago, and I'm back in the gym on Monday.
"I just told my team, 'Listen, I just want to be a world champion. A unified world champion, and I know I can do it.' It's just a matter of time."
A left hook from Riakporhe dropped Durodola, who was then swiftly halted by a barrage of ferocious punches.
"Listen, I'm a beast. That's not my level," said Riakporhe, who wants to fight at the home of Crystal Palace football club.
"Give me activity and I will show the world what I can do.
"I'm monster and it's just a matter of time. All of these guys have been hiding from me for a period of time and now, we're on the scene, and they have to mention my name."
"I want to give a shout out to my team that worked with me. I want to give a shout out to the Palace army. They've showed me so much love on social media.
"I'm going to bring that belt to Selhurst Park."
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom was full of praise for Riakporhe, who survived a horrific stabbing incident before launching a successful boxing career.
"As he said, he's a monster, but every fighter needs activity," said Shalom. "He was out of the ring for two years.
"This guy nearly lost his life.
"If this guy isn't an inspiration to anyone, then I don't know what is.
"We're going to give him activity and then we're going for world titles.
"I'm proud of him, I'm proud to represent him. I think he's a role model to a lot of people."
December 11 - BOXXER in Cardiff
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams
Claressa Shields vs Ema Kozin
December 11 - Top Rank in New York
Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Richard Commey
Jared Anderson vs Oleksandr Teslenko
Nico Ali Walsh
Xander Zayas
December 17 - Top Rank in Montreal
Artur Beterbiev vs Marcus Browne - IBF and WBC light-heavyweight titles
February 26 - Top Rank in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall - undisputed super-lightweight title
