The fight takes place on the Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard, with Riakporhe entering his third contest at heavyweight after stoppage wins over Kevin Nicolas Espindola and Tommy Welch.
The British heavyweight title is on the line.
Riakporhe made his position clear ahead of the fight. “People just don’t know yet – I am a serious player in the heavyweight division and if you don’t think I am then you’re a fool,” he told Sky Sports.
“But they’re going to see and they’re going to know and the naysayers they’re going to be talking a lot, they’re going to be promoting and pushing my name out there: ‘Look be careful of the “Midnight Train” because that guy is terrifying.’”
He also addressed TKV’s approach on the inside. “You’re doing that against a puncher. Sometimes it just takes one bad position or one mistake. 12 rounds it’s a long time to do that for and be perfect at.
“I feel like people haven’t seen me properly in my element and I haven’t had my day yet. But it’s going to come, it’s coming soon.”
TKV enters as champion and plans to keep the belt. “I’m looking to dominate every aspect of the fight,” he said. “Whether it be mid-range, long-range or inside.
“I hurt people. People don’t realise but I do hurt a lot of people, even the ones I went the distance with.
“It’s exciting to see what’s next but my main focus is Saturday. The main thing is about retaining that British heavyweight title.”
Riakporhe sees the title as a route into bigger fights. “Historically British heavyweight title fights have always been amazing. Big names that went on to do great things,” he said.
“There’s so much opportunity right now especially analysing the landscape with all the fighters at the top coming to the end of their careers.
“Don’t be surprised to see a lot of us mixing it up for the world titles in the near future.
“Once we do what we need to do on April 11 everyone’s going to be talking about me going against these other big names.”
With the British title on the line, this is the fight that will show whether Riakporhe’s power carries at heavyweight.
FULL CARD, LIVE ON NETFLIX
Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov
Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis
Jeamie TKV vs Richard Riakporhe
Frazer Clarke vs Justis Huni
Troy Williamson vs Simon Zachenhuber
Breyon Gorham vs Eduard Georgiev
Mikie Tallon vs Cristopher Rios
Felix Cash vs Liam O’Hare
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