Richard Riakporhe made another huge statement last weekend with a vicious second-round stoppage of Dylan Bregeon – who has gone the distance with two of the Walworth fighter’s main rivals.
Riakporhe didn’t look like he hadn’t fought since last January as he unloaded an opening-round barrage on the former French champion.
Cruiserweight world title hopeful Riakporhe caught his opponent with a low blow in the next round, with Bregeon given time to recover.
But ‘Midnight Train’ Riakporhe showed little sympathy or mercy as he crashed home a massive right to floor Bregeon. Riakporhe waited as Bregeon beat the count before resuming his attack, and the fight was brought to an end as the towel was thrown in from the Frenchman’s corner at 1.36 in the second round.
Riakporhe’s devastating win was all the more impressive considering it took points decision for Isaac Chamberlin and Chris Billam-Smith to beat Bregeon.
“That’s what we do. I’m different, I’ve changed, I’ve been working with Angel Fernandez and he’s made me realise that in here I’m a totally different animal. I send a message to everybody,” Riakporhe said on Sky Sports post-fight.
“Once I let those hands go, it’s over. I only need two shots.”
Riakporhe is hoping for a shot at WBO world cruiserweight champion Billam-Smith, who fights Mateusz Masternak on December 10.
