Richard Riakporhe has extended an invitation to Johnny Fisher to challenge for the British heavyweight title, provided the Romford heavyweight can dispatch his immediate opponent.
Fisher faces Michael Pirotton in the main event at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday night, with the bout broadcast live on Sky Sports. According to Sky Sports, preliminaries begin at 5pm, with main-card coverage from 7pm and ringwalks expected between 9.45pm and 10.15pm.
Riakporhe, who previously challenged for a world title at cruiserweight, made the move up to heavyweight last year and has made an immediate impact at the higher weight. His most recent outing saw him thoroughly outclass Jeamie TKV, securing a brutal fifth-round stoppage to claim the British heavyweight title.
The London-based fighter is keen to push towards a world title opportunity, but has signalled his willingness to defend his British crown against Fisher should the Romford Bull emerge victorious on Saturday.
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.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Riakporhe outlined his admiration for his potential challenger and the wider boxing community surrounding him.
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.
Fisher arrives at the Copper Box as a 14-1 heavyweight with 12 knockouts to his name, while Pirotton carries a record of 12-2 with 6 knockouts. Fisher is making his Zuffa Boxing debut on this card.
Despite his ambitions at the top of the heavyweight division, Riakporhe emphasised his commitment to giving fans value and entertaining audiences.
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.
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 World Title Ambitions
The British champion has made clear his ultimate objective is to secure one of the major heavyweight titles currently held by the division's elite fighters.
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.
Riakporhe expressed confidence in his own 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.
What Happens Next
Fisher and Pirotton will clash on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Copper Box Arena. The undercard features Craig Richards against Radivoje Kalajdzic and Lee Cutler taking on Louis Greene. A victory for Fisher would position him as a genuine contender for Riakporhe's British title and potentially accelerate his path towards heavyweight prominence.
