Richard Riakporhe vs. Fabio Turchi | Sky Sports - 11 June 2022

[Ruthless-RKO]

Richard Riakporhe faces Fabio Turchi in IBF cruiserweight title eliminator live on Sky Sports

Richard Riakporhe will be in line for a shot at IBF cruiserweight champion Maris Breidis if he defeats Fabio Turchi live on Sky Sports on Saturday, June 11; Riakporhe took record to 14-0 with eighth-round knockout of Deion Jumah; Olympic champion Lauren Price MBE to make pro debut

Unbeaten cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe will continue his pursuit of a world-title opportunity when he faces Fabio Turchi at the OVO Arena in Wembley on June 11, live on Sky Sports.

Riakporhe's bout with the Italian is an eliminator with the winner moving up to No 2 in the IBF cruiserweight rankings and in position to challenge champion Maris Breidis later this year.

Londoner Riakporhe took his professional record to 14-0 with an eighth-round knockout of Deion Jumah in the capital in late March.

The 32-year-old, who has registered 10 knockout victories, recently told Sky Sports News that he hopes his maiden world-title shot can be staged at Selhurst Park, the home of his beloved Crystal Palace.

Riakporhe said: "I'm ready to continue my assault on the cruiserweight division. The Midnight Train is on an unstoppable roll and Turchi is the next man tied to the tracks in front of me.

"He's a good boxer and I'm expecting a tough fight but nothing I can't handle. I'm coming out of this one with the win and stepping up into world title contention."

Turchi 'dedicating body and soul' to Riakporhe fight

Turchi has won 20 of his 21 professional fights - 14 via knockout - with his sole defeat coming against Tommy McCarthy on points in 2019.

The Florence-born fighter said: "I am very happy to have this opportunity. Since I was a kid I always dreamed to fight at international level and in an important venue like this.

"I'm dedicating my body and soul to get into the best shape and have a great match against Riakporhe, who I think is an excellent boxer."

BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: "Richard Riakporhe has been on an unstoppable rise to world title contention and now he's potentially just one fight away from getting his shot at gold.

"Turchi brings heavy firepower to the ring. This is Riakporhe's toughest career challenge to date and a win here will make a strong statement about his potential to be world champion."

Sky Sports' head of boxing Adam Smith added: "I'm looking forward to seeing 'The Midnight Train' Riakporhe roll back into Wembley after that excellent win over Jumah. Another big test awaits as he faces the tough and classy Turchi."

What about the undercard?

Former WBO Global welterweight champion Chris Kongo looks to take a step closer towards world title contention as he takes on Germany's Sebastian Sebastian Formella.

Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price MBE will make her long-awaited professional debut, almost one year on from triumphing in the middleweight division at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Hackney cruiserweight Viddal Riley will fight in London for the first time in his pro career with his previous five bouts, all of which he has won, contested across America, Mexico, the UAE and Manchester.

Plus, London fighters Zak Chelli and Germaine Brown will square off for the English Super-Middleweight Title.

"The English Super-Middleweight Title showdown between Zak Chelli and Germaine Brown is a fight which every boxing fan in the country will be glued to," said Shalom.

"It's impressive that they are willing to fight each other at this stage and lay it all on the line. Don't be surprised if this is a Fight Of The Year contender.

"Finally, the professional debut of Lauren Price. Olympic gold medalist, MBE - there aren't many athletes in any sport who have those kind of credentials and we're proud to be sharing her professional journey and being part of her rise to the top."

Tickets are on sale from midday, Friday, April 29. Early access to tickets is available via priority pre-sale from midday, Wednesday, April 27. Sign up at BOXXER.com.

[garethhop]

Solid enough card if this holds together with Kongo/Formella and Brown/Chelli

[Ruthless-RKO]

Solid enough card if this holds together with Kongo/Formella and Brown/Chelli

Not a bad card at all.

Hopefully there is no other card that night.

I just checked.. Berlanga is fighting on Sky after midnight over in the states and its the same date as the proposed Bryan vs. Dubois fight, which has no tv deal or venue.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Full steam ahead for ‘The Midnight Train’ Richard Riakporhe as he returns to action at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday, June 11, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, to take on Italy’s Fabio Turchi in an eliminator battle which will see the winner move up the cruiserweight rankings and in prime position to challenge reigning champion Maris Breidis later this year.

With Riakporhe (14-0, 10 KO’s) coming off a stunning knockout victory over Deion Jumah in March and former IBF International Cruiserweight champion Turchi (20-1, 14 KO’s) having a 66% stoppage rate in his victories, this fight matches two proven finishers and promises action from the very start as both men look to score the knockout which will move them on to world championship opportunity.

Bermondsey’s former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris Kongo (13-1-0, 7 KO’s) has a route back into world title contention if he defeats the tough German contender Sebastaian Formella (23-2-0, 11 KO’s) in their International showdown.

Kongo is raring to get back into pole position after winning his comeback fight against Kelvin Dotel in March following his close points loss to Michael McKinson last year. While Formella is looking for his own shot at the World title and his only two losses have been against Former World Champion Shawn Porter and Connor Benn, pushing both big hitters the distance.

Two of the very best young fighters in the UK, English Super-Middleweight Champion Germaine Brown (12-0, 3 KO’s) defends his title against challenger Zak Chelli (11-1-1, 6 KO’s) in an exciting trade fight.

The two Londoners will both be going into this fight totally confident of victory and certain to put on an eye-catching performance in a 50-50 fight which will delight the nation’s boxing fans and looks set to steal the show.

Also on the card, the long-awaited professional debut of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price MBE.

One of the most highly-touted amateurs in women’s boxing, Price earned the amateur sport’s supreme honour when she won gold last summer. She was subsequently awarded an MBE in recognition of this stunning success.

She now looks destined to reach the very highest level of the professional sport in the exciting and fast-moving world of women’s boxing, with the first step towards that greatness coming on June 11.

Cruiserweight star Viddal Riley (5-0-0, 2 KO’s) fights in his home city for the first time in his pro career. The Hackney sensation made his pro-debut in November 2018 with a first round KO of Julio Manuel Gonzalez in Mexico and has since fought in Las Vegas (twice) and Dubai.

Last time out he was on the huge Amir Khan-Kell Brook undercard in Manchester in February registering a six-round points win over Willbeforce Shihepo via a first round knockdown and aims to showcase his power and skill in front of the London fans.

“I’m ready to continue my assault on the cruiserweight division. The Midnight Train is on an unstoppable roll and Turchi is the next man tied to the tracks in front of me. He’s a good boxer and I’m expecting a tough fight but nothing I can’t handle. I’m coming out of this one with the win and stepping up into world title contention,” said Riakporhe.

“I am very happy to have this opportunity. Since I was a kid I always dreamed of fighting at the international level and in an important venue like this. I’m dedicating my body and soul to get into the best shape and have a great match against Riakporhe who I think is an excellent boxer,” said Turchi.

“Richard Riakporhe has been on an unstoppable rise to world title contention and now he’s potentially within touching distance of getting his shot at gold. Turchi is the former IBF International Champion and brings heavy firepower to the ring. This is Riakporhe’s toughest career challenge to date and a win here will make a strong statement about his potential to be world champion,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO.

“The English Super-Middleweight Title showdown between Zak Chelli and Germaine Brown is a fight which every boxing fan in the country will be glued to. It’s impressive that they are willing to fight each other at this stage and lay it all on the line. Don’t be surprised if this is a Fight Of The Year contender.

“Finally, the professional debut of Lauren Price. Olympic gold medalist, MBE – there aren’t many athletes in any sport who have those kind of credentials and we’re proud to be sharing her professional journey and being part of her rise to the top.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “This is shaping up to be a fantastic card. I’m looking forward to seeing ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe roll back into Wembley after that excellent win over Jumah. Another big test awaits as he faces the tough and classy Turchi.

“The fight between Chelli and Brown is a really good match. We’ve seen some absolutely cracking fights in the English title matches, those fights just seem to deliver incredible action, and this is a 50-50 pick ’em.

“I’m also really excited to see Lauren Price begin her professional journey. She was a standout amateur and achieved so much for the sport, everyone at Sky Sports is very proud to have her with us and we can’t wait to see her achieve equally huge things in the pro ranks.”

Tickets are on sale from 12pm midday tomorrow, Wednesday May 4 via BOXXER.com priced at £250, £150, £100, £75, £60 and £40.

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, Wow Hydrate and Village Hotels.

[Verdi]

He wants a strap and the Okolie fight before moving up to HW.

[Floydendizer]

Fraser Clarke absent again ?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fraser Clarke absent again ?

He should be out again.

[Verdi]

Fraser Clarke absent again ?

Still injured

[margaret thatcher]

i mean its not a move down or anything, but he ko'd tommy mac 3 years ago right before mac closely beat turchi. how long does he need to go through this level before stepping up.

browne vs chelli looks good

[gregregegg]

Another decent Euro opponent for Riakporhe. Fun enough, but he is 32, needs to at least make moves towards world levle.

I dont think Riakporhe is special, and he is pretty inexperenced, but he rose up quick to this levle, and now has had about 50 rounds at this levle, time to step up again.

I personaly would like to see Rich head up to world levle cruiser, try get a big fight, or 2, if he wins fair play, and if he loses head to heavyweight. I think he could fill in to an excellent fit, 220-230lb heavyweight at brittish/euro levle/fringe world levle.

Edit just saw its an eliminator? only one there ranked in is IBF. but whats the value of an 11 vs 12 elliminator.... I guess it gets him on the elliminator train but how long till world title station.

[cpx2]

Another decent Euro opponent for Riakporhe. Fun enough, but he is 32, needs to at least make moves towards world levle.

I dont think Riakporhe is special, and he is pretty inexperenced, but he rose up quick to this levle, and now has had about 50 rounds at this levle, time to step up again.

I personaly would like to see Rich head up to world levle cruiser, try get a big fight, or 2, if he wins fair play, and if he loses head to heavyweight. I think he could fill in to an excellent fit, 220-230lb heavyweight at brittish/euro levle/fringe world levle.

Edit just saw its an eliminator? only one there ranked in is IBF. but whats the value of an 11 vs 12 elliminator.... I guess it gets him on the elliminator train but how long till world title station.

I think cruiser's just quite an empty division at the minute. You've got Briedis and Okolie as the real standouts, Makabu fought quite recently, lord knows what's going on with that whole Goulamirian-Merhy-Egorov situation with the WBA, Gassiev's moved up, does Dorticos even fight anymore ... and then beneath that who is there out there that would be a vast improvement over Turchi? Would like to see him fight CBS again but that's unrealistic at this stage promotion-wise. There's just a real dearth of opponents out there.

[gregregegg]

Another decent Euro opponent for Riakporhe. Fun enough, but he is 32, needs to at least make moves towards world levle.

I dont think Riakporhe is special, and he is pretty inexperenced, but he rose up quick to this levle, and now has had about 50 rounds at this levle, time to step up again.

I personaly would like to see Rich head up to world levle cruiser, try get a big fight, or 2, if he wins fair play, and if he loses head to heavyweight. I think he could fill in to an excellent fit, 220-230lb heavyweight at brittish/euro levle/fringe world levle.

Edit just saw its an eliminator? only one there ranked in is IBF. but whats the value of an 11 vs 12 elliminator.... I guess it gets him on the elliminator train but how long till world title station.

I think cruiser's just quite an empty division at the minute. You've got Briedis and Okolie as the real standouts, Makabu fought quite recently, lord knows what's going on with that whole Goulamirian-Merhy-Egorov situation with the WBA, Gassiev's moved up, does Dorticos even fight anymore ... and then beneath that who is there out there that would be a vast improvement over Turchi? Would like to see him fight CBS again but that's unrealistic at this stage promotion-wise. There's just a real dearth of opponents out there.

Fuk cruiser is grimmer than i remember. If they cant see a path to a world title shot in the next 2 years they really should think about moving up and trying to get a brittish title in meaningfull uk fights at heavyweight.

I dont know what to do with him, but if he is going to fight this levle, at least do it 3 or 4 times a year.... I do really want to see him fight Isacc chamberlain though, if ya gunna fight this levle might as well be domestic againsst a guy coming of 3 first round kos.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[margaret thatcher]

he should fight someone like cieslak, masternak, perez, or tabiti next

big rick ktfo tommy mac 3 years ago, then right after that mac beat turchi. his opposition isnt bad, but basically he hasnt moved up at all despite continually winning. if he has ambitions of reaching another level he should probably try that soon. he'll have done enough vs this quality of opposition to graduate.

[skanksta]

Disagree - he's a "learning on the job" type.
Earning and learning at domestic/Euro level is what he needs. CBS rematch for the Euro would be ideal after he wins this (probably).
Then he'll "be ready for Danny Garcia"

[margaret thatcher]

he's 32 and been on these fights for 3 years. it was 7 fights ago that he easily ko'd the guy who beat turchi. yet it's only now that he's finally graduated to fighting turchi! it's just a waste of time and his prime to keep fighting at this level much longer. cbs next, and then a step up after that if he wins would be fine, but he shouldnt go any lower/wait any longer

and you got it again mixed bruh, i say that boots is already ready for danny g and that he needs something like that now

[daz74]

Riakporhe is an average fighter, he definitely made the right choice moving to Boxxer cause he’s now main event. Says a lot about the depth of their stable though ….

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!

[Ruthless-RKO]

‘He’s like Mike Tyson’ – Richard Riakporhe wary of ‘dangerous’ upcoming opponent Fabio Turchi, as he targets a world title shot before the end of the year

Richard Riakporhe has made quite the statement ahead of his fight with Fabio Turchi on Saturday night, comparing his Italian opponent to heavyweight legend, Mike Tyson.

The fight that will take place at Wembley Arena over the weekend has been billed as a world title eliminator, although it has not been commissioned for a belt by any of the sanctioning bodies.

Turchi has a record of 20-1, with his only loss coming against Tommy McCarthy, who Riakporhe knocked out in 2019.

Despite being the heavy favourite, ‘The Midnight Train’ is refusing to overlook Turchi, who has 14 knockouts to his name and an aggressive, come-forward style.

“He reminds me of a replica of Mike Tyson.” Riakporhe told talkSPORT.

“He’s like Mike Tyson, but he doesn’t move his head as much as Mike did, so he’ll be there to feel the full force of ‘The Midnight Train’ and for that reason I don’t think it’s going to go on for that long.

“I feel like I’ll be able to get him out of there within the distance. He’s not somebody who I’m overlooking, he’s actually quite dangerous and he’s got a bit of a punch as well.

“He does come to win, as you can see by his winning record, so we’re not taking him lightly and we didn’t in preparation.”

Riakporhe is confident that if he comes through this latest challenge unscathed he will become a world champion before the end of the year, but he claims the title holders in the cruiserweight division are ‘running scared’.

The current champions at 200 lbs include Mairis Briedis (IBF), Ilunga Makabu (WBC), Arsen Goulamirian (WBA) and the man who would make the biggest fight for Riakporhe, his fellow Brit Lawrence Okolie (WBO).

In terms of the most likely option, Riakporhe’s best ranking is with the WBC as he sits in 7th, but this fight with Turchi should catapult him up the IBF rankings and in with a chance to challenge Briedis.

With that being said, however, Riakporhe made it clear that he doesn’t care who he has to fight to win a world title and added: “on my best night I’ll demolish all of them.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Dioufy]

Seems a bit of a step backwards.
Didn’t Turchi lose to McCarthy?

32 years old, Boxrec top 10… he should be gunning for someone rated around him or preferably above him.

Unless this is an eliminator?

EDIT

Just seen this is an IBF elim so can’t complain. How easy will it be to sort out a fight vs Breidas though?

He may have to go to Riga.

[maverick23]

Seems a bit of a step backwards.
Didn’t Turchi lose to McCarthy?

32 years old, Boxrec top 10… he should be gunning for someone rated around him or preferably above him.

Unless this is an eliminator?

EDIT

Just seen this is an IBF elim so can’t complain. How easy will it be to sort out a fight vs Breidas though?

He may have to go to Riga.

Breidis is meant to be fighting his mandatory in Australia sometime soon so whatever happens in this one they’ll be waiting a year to fight for the belt.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Seems a bit of a step backwards.
Didn’t Turchi lose to McCarthy?

32 years old, Boxrec top 10… he should be gunning for someone rated around him or preferably above him.

Unless this is an eliminator?

EDIT

Just seen this is an IBF elim so can’t complain. How easy will it be to sort out a fight vs Breidas though?

He may have to go to Riga.

Breidis is meant to be fighting his mandatory in Australia sometime soon so whatever happens in this one they’ll be waiting a year to fight for the belt.

Briedis fight has been rescheduled.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Dioufy]

Richard Riakpohre will have an eye on Tommy McCarthy tomorrow who is fighting in Estonia vs a 1-4 fighter who is on a roll having won his last fight.