Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Richard Riakporhe

How Richard Riakporhe built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Richard Riakporhe is a professional boxer. He has achieved notable success, holding the British heavyweight title since April 2026. Prior to this, he held the British cruiserweight title from 2019 to 2020. Riakporhe's career highlights his skills and accomplishments within the boxing world.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 2016: Professional debut

On 6 August 2016, Richard Riakporhe made his professional debut, winning against Jason Jones at York Hall in London.

2017: Three consecutive TKO victories

In 2017, Richard Riakporhe secured three consecutive TKO victories against Istvan Orsos in February, Milan Cechvala in May, and Jiri Svacina in October.

2018: Continued success in boxing

In 2018, Richard Riakporhe had a TKO victory over Adam Williams in March and a win against Elvis Dube in July. On 10 November 2018, Riakporhe fought Sam Hyde, winning the WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title.

March 2019: First defense of WBA title

In March 2019, Richard Riakporhe defended his WBA title against Tommy McCarthy, securing a fourth-round TKO at the East of England Arena in Peterborough.

December 2019: Won the British cruiserweight title

In December 2019, Richard Riakporhe defeated Jack Massey by unanimous decision to win the vacant British cruiserweight title.

October 2021: Defeated Krzysztof Twardowski

On 2 October 2021, Richard Riakporhe returned to boxing after a near two-year layoff and won against Krzysztof Twardowski by unanimous decision.

March 2022: Defeated Deion Jumah

In March 2022, after Fabio Turchi withdrew, Richard Riakporhe faced and defeated Deion Jumah by knockout.

June 2022: Extended unbeaten record

On 11 June 2022, Richard Riakporhe defeated Fabio Turchi, extending his unbeaten record.

January 2023: Won against Krzysztof Głowacki

On 21 January 2023, Richard Riakporhe defeated Krzysztof Głowacki by a fourth-round technical knockout.

June 2023: IBF Title Defense Ordered

In June 2023, IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia was ordered to make a mandatory title defense against Richard Riakporhe.

August 8, 2023: Withdrew from negotiations

On August 8, 2023, Richard Riakporhe withdrew from negotiations with Jai Opetaia shortly before a scheduled purse bid hearing.

June 2024: Lost to Chris Billam-Smith

On 15 June 2024, Richard Riakporhe challenged Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight title but lost by unanimous decision at Selhurst Park in London.

November 2025: Defeated Tommy Welch

On 15 November 2025, Richard Riakporhe defeated Tommy Welch by technical knockout in the second round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

April 2026: Riakporhe held the heavyweight title

In April 2026, Richard Riakporhe held the heavyweight title, making him a two-weight British champion.

April 2026: Became a two-weight British champion

On 11 April 2026, Richard Riakporhe defeated Jeamie Tshikeva for the British heavyweight title at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, becoming a two-weight British champion.