Richard Riakporhe has publicly offered Johnny Fisher the opportunity to step into the ring with him for the British heavyweight championship. However, Fisher’s path to that potential showdown is not straightforward; he must first defeat Michael Pirotton when the "Romford Bull" headlines the Sky Sports‑broadcasted event at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night. Riakporhe, who previously challenged for a world title at cruiserweight, made the jump to the heavyweight division last year and has made an immediate impact.
His most recent performance was a masterclass against Jeamie TKV, whom he stopped in just five rounds to capture the British heavyweight belt. The decisive victory underscored Riakporhe’s power and technical growth since moving up in weight.
Now a reigning British champion, the London‑born fighter is looking beyond domestic glory and has his sights set on a future world‑title opportunity. Yet, he remains eager to defend his crown against Fisher, a rising prospect who has generated considerable buzz in the UK boxing scene. "It would be good. I like Fisher.
I remember after my match I actually offered them the opportunity to fight if they want," Riakporhe told Sky Sports. "Why not give them the opportunity? He’s very respectful, likable, and he’s a big puncher himself as well – a strong guy, like an ox. It would be great for the fans to see." Riakporhe’s comments reveal a genuine respect for Fisher’s skill set and personality.
He highlighted Fisher’s power, describing him as a "big puncher" who can entertain a crowd. By extending the invitation, Riakporhe is also positioning himself as a champion who wants to test his mettle against the best emerging talent, rather than simply coasting on his current status. The champion also spoke candidly about his own ambitions.
"I’m seen as a dangerous guy, top 10 in the world, but who knows? I’m actually a fan of Johnny Fisher as well and the Bosh family. I’ll be watching and cheering him on at the weekend," he said, indicating that his admiration for Fisher does not diminish his competitive drive. Riakporhe sees himself destined for the summit of the heavyweight division.
"I’ve got my own plans and see myself competing at a higher level as well. But who knows?
I’m always in the game to make a buck and to fight people that definitely want to fight. It’s all about giving the fans what they want," he explained. The champion believes that providing value to the audience is essential for a sustainable career. "Once you give the fans value for their money and show them what they want to see then you’re always going to be in their good books and they deserve it.
They deserve to be entertained," he added. His ultimate objective is to line up a bout against one of the current heavyweight world champions.
"I want one of those titles. I’m looking at the Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois fight. I’m looking at what Agit Kabayel’s doing and Filip Hrgovic, I’m looking at all of these guys and this is what I’m working towards ultimately.
I’m training myself to compete for one of those belts. My eyes are just locked on to whatever’s going to propel me to get one of those titles," Riakporhe said. He emphasized his self‑belief, noting, "I know who I am, I know what I’m capable of.
I just focus on getting the job done. I’m definitely arguably one of the heaviest hitters in the world. That’s a fact." The upcoming fight between Johnny Fisher and Michael Pirotton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans a chance to see whether Fisher can overcome the seasoned veteran Pirotton and earn the right to challenge Riakporhe. If Fisher prevails, a British heavyweight title clash could be on the horizon, pitting two of the UK’s most promising heavyweights against each other.
Such a matchup would not only be a test of power—both fighters are known for their knockout ability—but also a strategic battle, as each boxer brings a distinct style to the ring. Riakporhe’s experience at cruiserweight, combined with his rapid adaptation to heavyweight, gives him a technical edge, while Fisher’s raw strength and aggressive approach make him a formidable opponent for any champion. The broader context of the British heavyweight scene is also worth noting.
The division has seen a resurgence in recent years, with fighters like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and the emerging talents of Wardley, Dubois, Kabayel, and Hrgovic drawing global attention. Riakporhe’s desire to measure himself against these world‑class opponents signals his intent to transition from national champion to an international contender. For the fans, the prospect of a Riakporhe‑Fisher showdown promises excitement. Both athletes have cultivated strong followings, and their contrasting personalities—Riakporhe’s measured confidence and Fisher’s youthful bravado—add narrative depth to a potential bout.
Moreover, a fight of this magnitude would likely attract significant media coverage, boosting the profile of British heavyweight boxing on the world stage. In summary, Richard Riakporhe has extended a respectful invitation to Johnny Fisher, offering him a chance at the British heavyweight title once Fisher secures a victory over Michael Pirotton. Riakporhe’s own aspirations are lofty; he envisions a future where he competes for a world title, eyeing the current champions and positioning himself among the elite.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, this potential clash could serve as a pivotal moment for both fighters, their careers, and the sport’s growing popularity in the United Kingdom.