Richard Riakporhe has extended an invitation to Johnny Fisher to challenge him for the British heavyweight title, provided the Romford Bull can dispatch his upcoming opponent.
Fisher must first navigate past Belgium's Michael Pirotton in the main event at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday night, with the contest broadcast live on Sky Sports. According to ESPN, Fisher arrives with a record of 14-1 and 12 knockouts, while Pirotton carries a 12-2 mark with 6 KOs.
Riakporhe, who previously challenged for a world title at cruiserweight, made the step up to heavyweight last year and has made an immediate impression. His most recent outing saw him utterly dismantle Jeamie TKV, stopping the challenger in the fifth round to claim the British heavyweight crown.
The London-based champion is keen to push towards a world title opportunity, but has signalled his willingness to defend his belt against Fisher should the Romford Bull emerge victorious this weekend.
It would be good. I like Fisher. I remember after my match I actually offered them the opportunity to fight if they want. Why not give them the opportunity? Very respectful, likeable, and he's a big puncher himself as well and a strong guy, like an ox. So it would be good for the fans to see.
Riakporhe told Sky Sports that he holds Fisher and his family in high regard, and plans to follow the action closely.
I'm seen as a dangerous guy, top 10 in the world, [but] who knows? I'm actually a fan of Johnny Fisher as well and the Bosh family. I'm going to be watching and cheering him on at the weekend.
Despite his openness to a Fisher showdown, Riakporhe remains focused on his ultimate ambitions within the division. He views himself as destined for the sport's highest echelon and is balancing immediate opportunities with long-term objectives.
I've got my own plans and see myself competing at a higher level as well. But who knows? I'm always in the game to make a buck and to fight people that definitely want to fight. It's all about giving the fans what they want.
The champion emphasised the importance of delivering value to supporters and maintaining their engagement through compelling matchups.
Once you give the fans value for their money and show them what they want to see then you're always going to be in their good books and they deserve it. They deserve to be entertained.
Riakporhe's ultimate target remains one of the major heavyweight championship belts currently held at the elite level. He is closely monitoring the landscape of top contenders and title holders.
I want one of those titles. I'm looking at the [Fabio] Wardley vs [Daniel] Dubois fight. I'm looking at what [Agit] Kabayel's doing and [Filip] Hrgovic, I'm looking at all of these guys and this is what I'm working towards ultimately. I'm training myself to compete for one of those belts. My eyes are just locked on to whatever's going to propel me to get one of those titles.
The British champion expressed confidence in his abilities and his standing among the world's elite heavyweights.
I know who I am, I know what I'm capable of. I just focus on getting the job done. I'm definitely arguably one of the heaviest hitters in the world. That's a fact.
Fisher's Path and the Pirotton Challenge
Fisher is making his return to headline action at the Copper Box Arena as part of what represents a rebuilding phase following a December 2024 loss to Dave Allen. According to Sky Sports, this bout marks his Zuffa Boxing debut and his opportunity to re-establish himself at heavyweight in headline territory.
Pirotton has already fired verbal shots across the ring, warning that Fisher's mental resilience will prove decisive in their clash. Fisher has dismissed such claims, insisting his preparation is complete and his mind remains sharp. According to Heart, Fisher has responded to the Belgian's jibe by declaring that the "best Romford Bull is yet to come."
The undercard features several notable bouts, with Craig Richards facing Radivoje "Hot Rod" Kalajdzic and Lee Cutler taking on Louie Greene, according to Sky Sports coverage.
Broadcast Details and Ringwalk Times
Sky Sports will begin coverage at 7pm on Saturday, with preliminary bouts streaming from 5pm. Ringwalks are expected to take place between 9.45pm and 10.15pm, giving viewers a full evening of heavyweight action from the Copper Box Arena.
