Richard Riakporhe (20-1, 16 KOs) stopped Jeamie Tshikeva (9-3, 5 KOs) in the fifth round to win the British heavyweight title at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The 36-year-old Riakporhe, fighting in the heavyweight division for the third time after moving up from cruiserweight, imposed control early with steady pressure and cleaner punching. Despite giving away size to the 263-lb Tshikeva, Riakporhe managed distance well, picking his shots and building damage through the first four rounds rather than forcing the finish.
Tshikeva tried to close distance and work behind his size, but he was picked off by straighter, cleaner shots. Riakporhe kept the rounds under control, landing first and limiting what came back.
The finish came in round five when Riakporhe put punches together at close range, forcing Tshikeva onto the defensive until the referee stepped in to stop it. The referee moved in to stop the contest, handing Riakporhe the stoppage and the belt.
It was a controlled performance that turned into a decisive finish, with Riakporhe showing that his power has carried up to heavyweight as he continues to build in a new division.
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Last Updated on 2026/04/11 at 3:50 PM
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