Richard Riakporhe

Richard Riakporhe, born on 5 January 1990 in London, England, stands tall in the cruiserweight division, holding the British cruiserweight title from 2019 to 2020. Sporting a height of 6 feet 5 inches and a reach of 77 inches, Riakporhe brings a unique set of skills and resilience to the boxing ring. Riakporhe’s journey into boxing commenced at the Lynn ABC gym at the age of 19, marking a late but impactful start to his pugilistic career. Despite facing adversity in his early life, including a stabbing incident at the age of 15, he persevered, combining boxing with his pursuit of education, ultimately earning a degree in marketing communications and advertising from Kingston University in 2015.

Entering the professional realm, Riakporhe showcased his dominance with a debut victory in August 2016, and his trajectory continued with a series of impressive wins, including a remarkable TKO against Sam Hyde in 2018, securing the vacant WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title. He defended this title successfully, defeating Tommy McCarthy in March 2019 and Chris Billam-Smith in July of the same year. Riakporhe’s proficiency extends beyond title defenses, as evidenced by his victories in non-title bouts, notably against Krzysztof Twardowski and Olanrewaju Durodola.

Hailing from an area deeply rooted in African boxing tradition, the fighter above skillfully integrates cultural nuances into his unique approach. As a practitioner of African descent, he adeptly harnesses the essence of this rich heritage in the ring. His technique goes beyond mere punches, weaving a tapestry of strategy, finesse, and a nod to the traditional artistry of African boxing.

A standout feature is his masterful control over knee bend, channeling powerful shots with precision while avoiding the telegraphing pitfalls. This fighter showcases an intellectual finesse, meticulously gauging power distribution between his punches, a trait deeply ingrained in the strategic ethos of African boxing. Leaning on his long frame, he invokes the spirit of archers from the historical African context, using a trajectory akin to warriors employing bows and arrows in times of old.

In embracing the legacy of African descent boxers, this individual seamlessly intertwines his boxing prowess with a cultural swagger. Employing a circular jab, strategic footwork, and a high guard, he not only walks down opponents with an intimidating bouncy pace but also nods to the rhythmic and tactical elements intrinsic to African traditions. The fusion of this heritage with contemporary boxing showcases the fighter’s commitment to preserving and evolving the legacy of African boxing in the global arena.