Richard Riakporhe vs. Olanrewaju Durodola | Sky Sports - 20 November 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Following a triumphant start to the new Sky Sports Boxing era, BOXXER has announced it will return to the SSE Arena Wembley on Saturday, November 20 with another action-packed fight card.

Featuring Olympians, a WBC Silver World Title Eliminator, a British championship fight and a host of rising stars with huge future potential, the card promises to be a breakout night for a new generation of British boxing stars.

Richard Riakporhe, who returned from a prolonged injury layoff to win in style at tonight’s event, now takes a step closer to his world title dream. The former British Cruiserweight Champion will face Olanrewaju Durodola in a WBC Silver Cruiserweight Eliminator and, if successful, will fight for a major world title in 2022.

Hosea Burton, the former British Light-Heavyweight Champion, will have a chance to regain his former title in a long-awaited clash with Dan Azeez. The two British talents have been on an inevitable collision course for some time and the vacant British light-heavyweight championship now raises the stakes for this fan-pleasing clash.

The card also hosts the return of newly-crowned IBF International Welterweight Champion Florian Marku to the BOXXER ring following the signing of a new deal. The heavy-handed fan favourite will lay his belt on the line in what promises to be another of his trademark explosive encounters.

Having concluded her amateur career at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the sensational Caroline Dubois will take her first step into the professional ranks and begin her journey to becoming the next global superstar in women’s boxing.

Two of the hottest prospects in British boxing open the card, with Hassan Azim turning over from amateur to join his brother Adam in the professional ranks. A member of Team GB and bronze medal winner at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, Silver medallist at the European Youth Championships and six-time National Champion, red-hot Azim is one of the best prospects to turn over in recent years

Adam Azim turned professional last year following an outstanding amateur career which encompassed ten national titles, a European championship and the #1 spot in the youth amateur welterweight rankings. He now trains with Shane McGuigan who tips him as a future unified world title champion.

[Offthehook]

this has alot of mtk fighters on this card

[maverick23]

Duradola’s 40 now and it’s been a long time since he had a good win. Tends to either be KO’d or wins by KO but the bulk of his wins have been against random African guys so who knows what their level is like.

He’s somehow highly ranked by the WBC but Riakporhe will win by early KO.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Duradola’s 40 now and it’s been a long time since he had a good win. Tends to either be KO’d or wins by KO but the bulk of his wins have been against random African guys so who knows what their level is like.

He’s somehow highly ranked by the WBC but Riakporhe will win by early KO.

Yeh, why's he even ranked so high.

[garethhop]

I like the Burton/Azeez fight.

I'll always love Duodola for his contribution to one of my favourite cards of all time - https://boxrec.com/en/event/718330 - important for Riakporhe to put on a better showing than last week.

They could do with a 'name' to add to this but v interesting to hear Adam Smith talk through their ratings for the first show.

[maverick23]

I like the Burton/Azeez fight.

I'll always love Duodola for his contribution to one of my favourite cards of all time - https://boxrec.com/en/event/718330 - important for Riakporhe to put on a better showing than last week.

They could do with a 'name' to add to this but v interesting to hear Adam Smith talk through their ratings for the first show.

I really like the Burton/Azeez fight. Best fight on the show so far.

I don’t particularly like the Riakporhe fight but it helps his ranking and he’ll get a KO so I get it. It’s good he’s been kept active which I don’t think Matchroom do enough of for guys once they get to British title level or above.

Really could do with a name. I thought they were going to put Eubank Jr on the Newcastle show but may look to put it on this one now. Would give them time to get a better opponent too.

It was interesting re: the ratings. I think Sky will benefit in general this year having the Saturday evening premier league games. BT had the bulk of them last year but it certainly delivers a big audience into the shows. They also had the show available to non-Sky members on Showcase which would have helped too. Even with that it’s still a really strong result considering they lost Eubank Jr. I wonder how many people tuned in waiting for Jr to fight!

[peter barlow]

It's disingenuous for them to use figures from Sky Showcase (previously Sky One) which is available to many times more people not just Sky Sports subscribers. It's their flagship channel.

They never done that previously so it's not a fair comparison is it? They do it for women's football and that women's boxing card one time to pump up the figures. Let's add to the fact they pushed this card as hard as a PPV, nearly more then Joshua Usyk.

Now let's add that the arena appeared empty, did they even do 1000 tickets? How could that be called a triumphant success?

As for the card itself, 3 pull outs and no competitive fights, two questionable stoppages. It was crap, as bad as the worst stuff Warren puts out.

[maverick23]

It's disingenuous for them to use figures from Sky Showcase (previously Sky One) which is available to many times more people not just Sky Sports subscribers. It's their flagship channel.

They never done that previously so it's not a fair comparison is it? They do it for women's football and that women's boxing card one time to pump up the figures. Let's add to the fact they pushed this card as hard as a PPV, nearly more then Joshua Usyk.

Now let's add that the arena appeared empty, did they even do 1000 tickets? How could that be called a triumphant success?

As for the card itself, 3 pull outs and no competitive fights, two questionable stoppages. It was crap, as bad as the worst stuff Warren puts out.

It wasn’t a good show but wasn’t awful either. The Brown/Ledoux fight was competitive and a decent fight.

I agree with what you’re saying about the viewing figures. Just like Eddie will be quoting big numbers of viewers on his U.K. shows (despite a good chunk of those viewers being overseas) Adam/Sky will do similar. It’s key for them in attracting more talent which they need.

[margaret thatcher]

I like the Burton/Azeez fight.

I'll always love Duodola for his contribution to one of my favourite cards of all time - https://boxrec.com/en/event/718330 - important for Riakporhe to put on a better showing than last week.

They could do with a 'name' to add to this but v interesting to hear Adam Smith talk through their ratings for the first show.

lebedev, povetkin, bivol, ......stacked card

[Ruthless-RKO]

I like the Burton/Azeez fight.

I'll always love Duodola for his contribution to one of my favourite cards of all time - https://boxrec.com/en/event/718330 - important for Riakporhe to put on a better showing than last week.

They could do with a 'name' to add to this but v interesting to hear Adam Smith talk through their ratings for the first show.

lebedev, povetkin, bivol, ......stacked card

Back then it was probably not considered stacked.

I look back at a lot of FW shows from the 2000’s.. looking back, the names on one card were ‘stacked’ but they were all upcomers at the time.

[skanksta]

[margaret thatcher]

its good theyve got him out again so soon after the inactivity

say whaat you want about his crude ugly clumsy style, but dude obliterated tommy mac, beat cbs..... thats pretty good. jack massey aint a bad win either

[skanksta]

No it isn’t.
And if he can improve….

[3132DW]

Interesting Marku now being said as signed to Boxxer on New Deal.

Ticket seller for them to help fill arenas like Sat when it was empty.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Interesting Marku now being said as signed to Boxxer on New Deal.

Ticket seller for them to help fill arenas like Sat when it was empty.

I’m pretty sure most these guys that were ok Matchroom shows were not contracted long term and most probably on a fight by fight basis, depending on where the next card was.

[maverick23]

Interesting Marku now being said as signed to Boxxer on New Deal.

Ticket seller for them to help fill arenas like Sat when it was empty.

Apparently that’s incorrect. He owed Boxxer a fight after appearing on one of their shows before he started working with Matchroom.

[garethhop]

Interesting Marku now being said as signed to Boxxer on New Deal.

Ticket seller for them to help fill arenas like Sat when it was empty.

Apparently that’s incorrect. He owed Boxxer a fight after appearing on one of their shows before he started working with Matchroom.

Boxxer have stated that Marku has re signed with them on a new deal. Hearn doesn’t contradict this in an interview posted last night.

I suspect there is something else afoot.

[garethhop]

I like the Burton/Azeez fight.

I'll always love Duodola for his contribution to one of my favourite cards of all time - https://boxrec.com/en/event/718330 - important for Riakporhe to put on a better showing than last week.

They could do with a 'name' to add to this but v interesting to hear Adam Smith talk through their ratings for the first show.

lebedev, povetkin, bivol, ......stacked card

Back then it was probably not considered stacked.

I look back at a lot of FW shows from the 2000’s.. looking back, the names on one card were ‘stacked’ but they were all upcomers at the time.

It absolutely was considered stacked. It was a allegedly midweek afternoon and early evening show.
Must have shown 5 or 6 of the fights.

[maverick23]

Interesting Marku now being said as signed to Boxxer on New Deal.

Ticket seller for them to help fill arenas like Sat when it was empty.

Apparently that’s incorrect. He owed Boxxer a fight after appearing on one of their shows before he started working with Matchroom.

Boxxer have stated that Marku has re signed with them on a new deal. Hearn doesn’t contradict this in an interview posted last night.

I suspect there is something else afoot.

You might be right but Sam Jones came out and said that Marku isn’t signed with anyone after Boxxer released that statement saying he’d signed with them. I can’t imagine Sam being wrong about one of his own fighters.

[3132DW]

Apparently that’s incorrect. He owed Boxxer a fight after appearing on one of their shows before he started working with Matchroom.

Boxxer have stated that Marku has re signed with them on a new deal. Hearn doesn’t contradict this in an interview posted last night.

I suspect there is something else afoot.

You might be right but Sam Jones came out and said that Marku isn’t signed with anyone after Boxxer released that statement saying he’d signed with them. I can’t imagine Sam being wrong about one of his own fighters.

Yeah Boxxer released another statement re show yesterday about new deal signed.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Florian Marku vs. Jorick Luisetto Added To Riakporhe-Durodola Sky Card

Albanian prospect Florian ‘The Albanian King’ Marku will face French contender Jorick Luisetto on a BOXXER promoted show at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday 20th November, live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

All-action Marku features on the card alongside the next generation of boxing talent, including the exciting pro debut of Team GB Olympian Caroline Dubois and the amazing Azim brothers, Hassan and Adam.

The card is headlined by Richard Riakporhe as he challenges for the WBC Silver Cruiserweight title against Nigerian puncher Olanrewaju Durodola and Dan Azeez’s clash with Hosea Burton for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight Title.

Based in North London, the 29-year-old Marku will be fighting the first 2021 bout of his multi-fight commitment with BOXXER and must deal with Luisetto as he continues on his path towards securing a world title in 2022. He was crowned IBF International Welterweight Champion in September after beating Maxim Prodan in his first fight since a prolonged injury layoff which followed dual hand surgery in February.

Luisetto, from Echirolles in Isère, has won 11 out of his 13 fights and has never been stopped. The KO-hungry Marku, who has halted six out of nine opponents early, will be driven to change that fact when he enters the ring looking for another of his trademark explosive victories.

Marku took to social media earlier today to leave a chilling video message for his opponent.

“Hello Jorick Luisetto, I have a message for you. You should be scared; you’re going to see on November 20th what [kind of] fighter I am. You’re going to see bombs coming to your head, you’re going to see a different animal. You have faced many opponents in your life, but never one like me,” he said.

Also featuring on the card will be Kingston’s former Southern Area Champion Germaine Brown who continues his pursuit of the British Super-Middleweight title and Shepherd’s Bush’s cruiserweight dangerman Mikael Lawal who is within touching distance of his first title.

[maverick23]

Poor fight for Marku. The Azeez fight is the only one I’m interested in on this one.

Sky/Boxxer are still pushing the multi fight agreement with Marku whilst his manager was pretty clear it’s a one fight thing from a previous contract and he’s a promotional free agent. Who knows what the truth is.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Paulie Malignaggi Lands Dual Role Position With BOXXER

Promotional company BOXXER announced the appointment of former world champion Paulie Malignaggi and social media and boxing personality Daniel ‘Savage Dan’ Stewart to new roles with the company.

Malignaggi takes up dual roles as Chief Boxing Analyst, and Media Relations, and will play a leading role in media activity and coverage of BOXXER’s fight schedule starting with upcoming BOXXER events on Saturday 20th November at the SSE Arena, Wembley, and December 11th.

A two-time and two-weight world champion, fan-favorite Malignaggi retired from boxing in 2017 after a spectacular 16-year, 51-fight professional career in which he faced a plethora of greats from his era, including Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Zab Judah, Adrian Broner, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.

Malignaggi said, “Having worked with BOXXER from its embryonic stages, it’s been an invigorating thrill to watch the company grow from being just an idea to becoming the major promotion with a significant TV deal that it is today.

“I’m looking forward to being at the SSE Arena, Wembley on November 20 and at the December 11 event to continue my part in BOXXER’s growth. I hope to see the company reach many more memorable milestones for years to come.”

Stewart - known in the fight trade as ‘Savage Dan’ - will assume the role of BOXXER Media Relations, UK and will be at the forefront of media activity for the business, alongside founder and promoter Ben Shalom.

A former top amateur boxer at Hollington ABC and Dale Youth ABC, Stewart has forged a very successful career in entertainment as a music and sports content producer, working with platinum selling artists WSTRN for their hit single In2.

He has also worked with award winning artists Stormzy, Example, Big Narstie and Wretch 32 in addition to sports content, including, JD Sports’ ‘Weighed In’, Anthony Joshua’s ‘Road to Undisputed’ and Chelsea Football Club TV ‘Unscripted’ and Matchday Live.

Stewart said, “The Media Relations role with BOXXER is a huge moment for me, but it’s a step I’ve been ready and waiting for. We’ve been working on this for the last 12-18 months and it has culminated perfectly with the BOXXER and Sky Sports partnership. What BOXXER has achieved in such a short space of time has been nothing short of phenomenal and it’s going to be a very exciting time ahead.”

Malignaggi and Stewart also jointly present a hugely successful BOXXER podcast with a passionate following. Mouthpiece: The Home Of Unfiltered Boxing features expert analysis, unfiltered opinions and true stories from inside the fight game with the two hosts getting to grips with the biggest boxing stories of the week. Mouthpiece returns this week ahead of the highly-anticipated BOXXER Series Liverpool: The Super-Lightweights event on Saturday 6th November at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said: “I’m delighted to make these appointments which will increase the quality coverage of our fight schedules and promotions for the fans. They will be a tremendous asset to the company as we continue our growth in the boxing world.

“Paulie’s achievements in the ring means he commands respect and naturally understands and relates to the boxers. He is widely considered as the best boxing analyst globally and we are delighted to have him on board.

“Dan has had a successful career in entertainment and has a deep passion, vision and understanding of boxing that will become a major asset to the business going forward. I look forward to the contribution they will make to the BOXXER team as we build towards future success.”

[maverick23]

So Caroline Dubois has been taken off the show due to injury and been replaced by Tasha Jonas. After the Matchroom exit it’ll be interesting to see the quality of opponent she has.

I’ll watch the show due to the Azeez fight but I’m not bothered about the rest too much.

[peter barlow]

So Caroline Dubois has been taken off the show due to injury and been replaced by Tasha Jonas. After the Matchroom exit it’ll be interesting to see the quality of opponent she has.

I’ll watch the show due to the Azeez fight but I’m not bothered about the rest too much.

It's a poor card apart from the main event. Who is Lawals opponent? Because it's not announced and Steven Ward pulled out. Yet they still have that up.

Also is Duadorla any good? I'll probably have this on anyway as nothing else on.

They've signed Tasha Jonas as a pundit so she'll be on most shows now.