Richard Riakporhe has publicly extended an invitation to rising prospect Johnny Fisher, offering him a chance to contest the British heavyweight championship. Before Fisher can accept that challenge, however, he must first face Michael Pirotton in a headline fight at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Riakporhe, who previously made a name for himself as a world‑title contender in the cruiserweight division, stepped up to heavyweight last year and has made a striking impact. His most recent performance was a masterclass against Jeamie TKV, whom he stopped in just five rounds to capture the British heavyweight crown.
The London‑based fighter is now looking beyond his domestic title, eyeing a future world‑title opportunity, but he is also eager to defend his belt against Fisher. "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 – a strong guy, like an ox.
It would be great for the fans to see." Riakporhe sees himself as a dangerous competitor, ranking within the top ten heavyweights worldwide, yet he remains humble about his prospects. "I'm actually a fan of Johnny Fisher as well and the Bosh family. I'm going to be watching and cheering him on at the weekend," he added, indicating genuine respect for his potential opponent. The champion also spoke about his broader ambitions.
"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," Riakporhe explained. He emphasized that entertaining the audience is a core part of his philosophy: "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." Looking further ahead, Riakporhe disclosed that his ultimate goal is to step into the ring with one of the current world heavyweight 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," he said.
He is confident in his own abilities. "I know who I am, I know what I'm capable of," Riakporhe affirmed. "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 bout between Johnny Fisher and Michael Pirotton will serve as a litmus test for Fisher's readiness to challenge Riakporhe. If Fisher can secure a convincing victory, the stage will be set for a high‑stakes clash between two of Britain's most promising heavyweights. Such a matchup would not only provide a compelling narrative for British boxing fans but also potentially position the winner for a shot at the global elite.
For viewers, the fight will be accessible via Sky Sports' live broadcast, with the network urging fans to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience. The event promises to showcase a blend of power, technique, and the raw determination that defines heavyweight boxing today. In summary, Riakporhe's invitation to Fisher adds an intriguing layer to the British heavyweight landscape.
While Fisher must first prove himself against Pirotton, the prospect of a title showdown looms large, promising excitement for both the fighters and the audience. As Riakporhe continues to train with an eye on world‑title contenders such as Wardley, Dubois, Kabayel, and Hrgovic, his next domestic defense could be a pivotal stepping stone on his journey to the global stage. Fans can tune in this Saturday to watch Johnny Fisher versus Michael Pirotton live on Sky Sports, an event that could shape the future of British heavyweight boxing.