Richard Riakporhe Calls for Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois Winner

Riakporhe, who recently secured the British heavyweight title with a win over Jeamie Tshikva, is already positioning himself for that next step. The former cruiserweight title challenger made it clear he wants to be part of that conversation.

• “I would love to right my wrongs,” Riakporhe said on the Toe2Toe Podcast. “I tried to compete for the world title at cruiserweight, I wasn’t able to get the decision that I wanted, and I just know that I can do it. I just need another chance at the title.”

The 35-year-old is treating his move up as a direct route back into contention rather than a rebuild, linking his current run to unfinished business from his previous title attempt.

“I need to get the world title for me to be like, ‘I have done all that I needed to do, in boxing’,” he said. “I know that it is going to come very soon. I am taking the right steps, I am improving, I am performing better. So it’s just a matter of time for me, wherever the shot comes from.”

Riakporhe also pointed to the current strength of the domestic scene, signaling his preference for major UK fights rather than waiting on international options.

“I am just letting people know that I am here and these are the fights that I want to be involved in, the biggest fights, against British fighters as well,” Riakporhe said. “Everybody in Britain is pretty much at the top of the list when it comes to heavyweight boxing. Just know that I put my name out there now, as a proper contender, and a very dangerous one at that.”

Wardley and Dubois are scheduled to meet on May 9 in Manchester, with the result likely to determine the next group of challengers circling the WBO title.