Error code: %{errorCode}
Richard Riakporhe labels Lawrence Okolie 'a phony' after cancelled bout
Richard Riakporhe, 18-1 (14), has called out London rival Lawrence Okolie, 21-1 (16), once again, labelling the former cruiserweight and bridgerweight world champion ‘a phony’.
Despite never crossing paths as cruiserweights, Riakporhe was set to make his debut at heavyweight against Okolie in April, only for the latter to pull out due to injury.
Riakporhe went onto make his debut at heavyweight in May, comfortably dispatching Kevin Espindola, 9-10 (4), with a fourth-round stoppage on the undercard of Canelo-Scull out in Riyadh.
But although the pair have exchanged verbal digs since 2023, with Okolie poking fun at Riakporhe’s friendship with popstar Madonna, the 35-year-old is not interested in reigniting the cancelled bout.
Asked by Sky Sports about Okolie, Riakporhe responded: “Don’t even mention that guy’s name. That guy is supposed to be a two-time world champion, and he doesn’t have the cajones to jump in the ring and get this fight done. He made up this story about an injury. To this day we haven’t had (any) evidence of what happened. The guy is a phony. So now we’re moving on, and focusing on bigger and better things.”
Riakporhe certainly believes that those things are just around the corner, sharing how he feels that the heavyweight division will soon be shaken up by retirements.
Asked if he felt that he was world-title calibre, Riakporhe replied: “I think it all depends on what you see in the ring. The fans will be able to make their predictions and give their honest opinions. But me personally, in my mind? 100%, I want a world title at heavyweight. Right now, it’s very interesting times. Everything is pretty much tied up with Usyk, but they’re on the way out, let’s be frank. Joshua, Tyson Fury, they’re going to have a few more fights and pack it in.”
Riakporhe believes that his move from cruiserweight to boxing’s biggest division has come at the right time.
He continued: “Everything is going to be up for grabs, and I’ve come at the perfect time. I think everything happens for a reason, and I will benefit largely from this move.”
After sharing his belief that the old guard of the heavyweight division would soon retire, Riakporhe was asked about the fresher faces in the weight class.
Moses Itauma, 11-0 (9), who is in action this weekend on the Taylor-Essuman undercard, has earned many admirers who believe that he has the potential to dominate at heavyweight.
“Moses is young, he’s coming up, he’s doing really well at the moment, he’s like a brother to me,” Riakporhe restarted. “But I feel like all of us are going to be in them ranks, top five across the board. Anyone who is young, hungry, has got power, got some amazing genetics - which I thank my parents for - we’re going to have some amazing fights."
Watch the very best boxing with a DAZN subscription
DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more.
An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up click here.
