Richard Riakporhe’s next fight should lead him to a world championship or a much-anticipated fight with fellow Briton Chris Billam-Smith.
Riakporhe will fight Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki next, Ben Shalom said.
This will probably happen in January in the new year.
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Richard Riakporhe stopped Fabio Turchi with a vicious body shot in the second row at Wembley Arena.
Glowacki is a former world cruiserweight champion. Lawrence Okolie beat him when he won the vacant WBO title last year.
It should open the door to some exciting cruiserweight championships. Billam-Smith, who lost a split election to Riakporhe in 2019 in his only career loss, is looking to get revenge.
Billam-Smith will return to Bournemouth on December 17 against Armend Xhoxhaj. If successful he hopes to fight for a world title next, as IBF champion Jai Opetaia wants.
“I think it’s a fight they’re looking forward to in March, April next year,” said BOXXER’s promoter Shalom.
Both Billam-Smith and Riakporhe are stepping up to international level but could be in danger of falling back.
Richard Riakporhe has the ability to knock down an opponent at any time (Picture: Kieran Cleeves/PA Archive/PA Images)
“I think so. I think both fighters are in danger. Billam-Smith wants to fight for a world title like Richard next year. We expect both of them to fight for world championships early next year. But that’s it. The fight that I think the fans are waiting for,” he said. Shalom.
“They’re all starting to be fighters now. Richard Riakporhe is a different fighter than he was against Chris Billam-Smith and Chris would say he’s good too. But I think because of Richard’s strength people will want to see him in 50-50 fights because it’s fun when you have a guy, almost (Deontay) Wilder who can end fights whenever he wants.
“I think Billam-Smith against Riakporhe in Bournemouth would be a big event and a big event.”
With IBF champion Opetaia and WBA belt holder Arsen Goulamirian in the mix, there are exciting bouts that could happen as well.
“The cruiserweight division is exciting because they all have to now get to the point where they’re fighting each other, whether it’s Lawrence, Richard, Chris, even (Jack) Massey,” Shalom said.
“There are big fights there and then there are world titles.”
