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Boxing

Richard Riakporhe names next world champion he wants to fight

Alexander Netherton
Richard Riakporhe names next world champion he wants to fightDAZN

Richard Riakporhe wants to fight Lawrence Okolie for his next match-up, in an all-British clash.

WBO cruiserweight champion Okolie is one of the most talented fighters in the division and Riakporhe is aiming for his title. Indeed, he thinks a match-up is well overdue.

"That fight would have happened a long time ago if they were ready but clearly they weren't. My resume now just shows what type of fighter I am. We've run through most of the division," Riakporhe said to Sky Sports.

"I'm confident, comfortable in front of certain fighters no matter how dangerous they are. I believe in myself. I believe in my power. So I'm in that position now, mentally and physically, I'm ready for a challenge. I'm ready for a test."

He continued: "That's one thing I feel I've brought to the game I'm not scared to lose. I'm not scared to take on a challenge and I think that's what boxing's about and we're getting to a point where we're kind of straying away from that old school boxing mentality. Just jump in the ring and fight. It's a fight, may the best man win. Instead a lot of people are trying to protect their record."

Okolie believes that he has the skill to defeat Riakporhe.

"I do know if I do land, my opponent will be in trouble," he explained.

"It's my heart, it's my will. It's the adversities that I had to overcome to get to where I am now. That's what you should be more worried about. Not the punch power. Because you can't train for that.

"I know what I possess and that's why they're not too keen on jumping in the ring with me.

"These guys are not on my level. That's the truth. I will smoke them. Honestly, I'm very serious about that."

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