18 January 2023 , 13:00
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Richard Riakporhe believes he can make the switch to heavyweight by following in the footsteps of boxing legend Evander Holyfield.
The British star is campaigning at cruiserweight where he will be looking to set up a world title shot this year. But first Riakporhe will fight this Saturday night against Krzysztof Glowacki on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr's clash with Liam Smith at the AO Manchester Arena.
A win is likely to set up a title shot via the IBF route against champion Jay Opetaia who recently ousted Mairis Briedis to earn the crown. However beyond this year, Riakporhe is eyeing fights in the top division and believes his build and height will give him the necessary attributes needed.
"Yes absolutely in this game we have one chance and I would like to know how I fare against the best heavyweights in the world," Riakporhe told Mirror Fighting and other reporters ahead of his ring return this weekend. "I am a big guy, six-feet-five, I can hold a lot of a weight and I have sparred lots of heavyweights. I just think it makes sense naturally, coming down in weight to 200lb isn't always easy.
"Naturally I think definitely go up to heavyweight and have some big fights and the fans will love it. I was watching Holyfield again this morning as well, what he was able to do when he stepped up from being an undisputed cruiserweight champion to fighting George Foreman and Mike Tyson. Usyk as well, I want to see myself do something like that so I am definitely going to challenge myself and go up."
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Holyfield reigned as undisputed champion at cruiserweight before making the move up where he forged a legendary rivalry with fellow legend Tyson. Current unified heavyweight champion Usyk has also successfully bridged the gap, snatching the belts from Riakporhe's training partner Anthony Joshua.
Richard Riakporhe is eyeing a future switch to heavyweight (Getty Images)Do you think Richard Riakporhe can make a successful step up to heavyweight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
The 33-year-old is continuing his progress at cruiserweight first, having beaten Deion Jumah and Fabio Turchi in his previous two fights in 2022. And Riakporhe is extremely happy with the progress of his career since joining BOXXER and is eyeing a big year to begin mixing it with the best at world level.
"I am very happy we have been focusing on each opponent and getting the wins while looking great doing it," Riakporhe continued. "I needed backing from BOXXER and Sky Sports and I have been active, in the last three I have had all KO's and this is what we want. I think this next fight is perfect timing, I think if not now then when?
"I am really excited, I saw the way this is going to pan out. There is always pressure, everybody is comparing me to others and you have to be careful. I have to be adaptable and I have to box in a certain type of way for each opponent. Once you start comparing and doing more it can end up going pear-shaped."
Richard Riakporhe fights Krzysztof Glowacki at BOXXER: Unleashed ahead of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, live on Sky Sports Box Office at Manchester’s AO Arena on January 21.