The IBF instructs Jai Opetaia to shield his cruiserweight international identify in opposition to London’s Richard Riakporhe subsequent; Australia’s Opetaia gained the belt when he dethroned Mairis Briedis remaining yr; Riakporhe is the one professional to have overwhelmed new WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith
Via John Dennen, Sports activities journalist
Jai Opetaia has been urged to shield his IBF cruiserweight international identify in opposition to Richard Riakporhe subsequent.
After Poland’s Mateusz Masternak pulled out of a handbag bid for his shot on the identify, the IBF mandated London’s Riakporhe as the following challenger for his or her championship.
There will likely be a time frame to permit a deal to be reached ahead of that battle is going to handbag bids.
Richard Riakporhe beat Krzysztof Glowacki in spectacular style and was once fast to focus on international identify fights for the close to long run
Australia’s Opetaia was once remarkable when he toppled Mairis Briedis to win the IBF belt remaining yr. However he broke his jaw in that battle and in addition want an operation on his shoulder. The ones accidents imply he hasn’t boxed since remaining July.
Taking to social media, Opetaia lambasted Masternak, pointing out: “What a waste of time. He was a just right fighter, now he is a has-been. I might’ve retired him. If you do not want the smoke, why waste the previous few months speaking [rubbish]?”
However he will have to now flip his consideration to Riakporhe.
The Londoner has turn into a number one cruiserweight contender. He’s the one guy to have passed Chris Billam-Smith, now the WBO cruiserweight champion, a certified loss. Riakporhe knocked out former WBO titlist Krzysztof Glowacki in his remaining battle as he rose to the No 2 place within the IBF ratings.
Chris Billam-Smith says a rematch with Lawrence Okolie may well be at the playing cards, adopted by means of a conceivable unification bout with Richard Riakporhe
His promoter Ben Shalom instructed Sky Sports activities: “Richard’s were given a large international identify alternative subsequent.”
Riakporhe has had a watch on a rematch with Billam-Smith and every other championship alternatives.
“I believe Riakporhe as opposed to Billam-Smith can be highest as a unification. I believe that is an enormous battle, whether or not it is subsequent or no longer,” Shalom stated.
“However Richard will battle for an international identify subsequent.”
