Walworth cruiserweight Riakporhe set to face IBF world champion Opetaia
Richard Riakporhe is set to get his world title shot after the IBF mandated their cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has to fight the South Londoner next.
The governing body’s move comes after Poland’s Mateusz Masternak withdrew out of a purse bid to face Opetaia.
Riakporhe and Opetaia have 30 days to agree a deal before it goes to purse bids.
Walworth’s Riakporhe, 33, is 16-0 in the professional ranks and holds a win over new WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
With both boxers promoted by BOXXER it opens up the prospect of a unification clash if Opetaia is dethroned.
Riakporhe is on a four-fight stoppage streak.
Australian Opetaia also has a perfect record – 22-0 – and won the IBF title 11 months ago when he boxed his way to a unanimous decision over Mairis Breidis. He is related to former Millwall footballer Tim Cahill.
Masternak now looks set to challenge Billam-Smith, a move which has shifted Riakporhe up into the number one spot.
Opetaia said: “What a waste of time. [Masternak] used to be a good fighter, now he’s a has-been. I would’ve retired him. If you don’t want the smoke, why waste the last few months talking s***?”
PICTURE: BOXXER