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Richard Riakporhe reacts to Olanrewaju Durodoli being knocked out

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Riakporhe edged closer to a world title shot Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

On Saturday night, Richard Riakporhe defeated Olanrewaju Durodola in five rounds to win the WBC silver cruiserweight title.  Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
On Saturday night, Richard Riakporhe defeated Olanrewaju Durodola in five rounds to win the WBC silver cruiserweight title. Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

Richard Riakporhe says he is just getting started and insists he will expose his rivals after winning the WBC Silver cruiserweight title.

Riakporhe (13-0, 9 KO) dominated the first four rounds before knocking down and stopping former world title challenger Olanrewaju Durodola in the fifth round on Saturday at the SSE Arena.

The 31-year-old secured his second win in seven weeks after a 22-month break that saw him defeat Krzysztof Twardowski last month and believes his game is only just starting to take shape under coach Angel Fernandez.

“We’ve only just started, trust me,” Riakporhe said proboxing-fans.com after the fight.

“Angel, he knows and has complete trust in me. Since we merged, we just work and understand the market.

“We have the punching power, we needed a bit of boxing IQ and that was what we lacked.

“Substantial applause for that [my former trainer] Mark Tibbs taught me the basics and that’s what got me through.

“When I moved to Loughborough it was a perfect fit because Angel was there and we thought, you know what we can work on together and we can do it and I know with both parties’ consistency and dedication the sky is the limit.

“Things are going very well so far.”

The Londoner’s victory brought him one step closer to a chance at the world title and strengthened his position in the WBC, where he ranks tenth behind the world champion. Ilunga Makabu, who is scheduled to face Canelo Alvarez after the WBC approved the Mexican’s request to attempt to conquer the fifth division at their convention earlier this week.

Riakporhe had already defeated four domestic rivals, including Chris Billam-Smith and Tommy McCarthy, and was the British cruiserweight champion for a time before vacating the crown, which is now held by Billam-Smith.

Riakporhe is confident that he has the tools to face any of his rivals.

Riakporhe was one step away from winning the world title. Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Riakporhe was one step away from winning the world title. Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

“I’m a real fighter and I want to test myself against anyone.

“I really think I’m the best and I want to prove it, as I always say.

“These boys are missing things and I will be the one to expose it.”

Watch the full interview with Richard Riakporhe below where he reacted to his win:

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Interviews

EXCLUSIVE: Campbell Hatton – Once in a Blue Moon

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Ricky Hatton struck a chord with the British public during his heyday Photo Credit: Action Images

Campbell Hatton during public training before his debut. Photo credit: Independent.

Boxing is a sport that can harm a person in many ways. Often, when a warrior becomes a parent, they beg and pray that their child will not follow in their footsteps.

The current British fighter lineup includes the second generation of Benn, Eubank and, most recently, Hatton. Campbell Hatton decided to lace up the gloves and continue his career in the same way as his father, Ricky.

The aforementioned Nigel, Chris and Ricky have cemented their legacy in the sport of boxing, financially securing their and their children’s futures, and yet they all still witnessed their offspring climbing the ropes, but why?

“Just because if you look at the highs, how good they are,” Campbell told proboxing-fans.com.

“Like any sport, if you succeed in it, it will be a great feeling. But I think boxing or any other combat sport where it’s just one-on-one has to be times 100 because you know that when you get them and you win and you succeed, you’re the only one who’s done it.

“That’s why I think in boxing there are the highest highs but also the lowest lows because it’s the same when you lose. I think the ups definitely outweigh the downs. I just can’t wait to see where things go.”

Ricky Hatton impressed British audiences during his heyday.  Photo: Action Images
Ricky Hatton impressed British audiences during his heyday. Photo: Action Images

Ricky Hatton is part of his son’s management team and as a man who has not only been there and done it all, he will naturally have his son’s best interests at heart.

“I actually benefited from his experience and advice, which is the one thing he didn’t have.

“It puts me in a great position because not only did I get advice on what to do in the ring, but also advice on what to do at home and how to deal with all the other things around it. So I’m really joyful.”

This is often the case in the British mainstream media, where sports superstars are shamed and put on the front pages whenever they make a mistake. Ricky was no exception, he was nicknamed “Ricky Fatton” after he yo-yoed with his weight during his absence from training camp.

Ricky adopted the taunts of “Ricky Fatton” and mocked the claims. Photo source: Telegraf

Ricky has overcome all these shadowy life experiences and believes that Campbell will stand him in good stead because there is no one better to advise him on this shitty issue.

“I think he will be the first to say there are a lot of things he could have done differently and he won’t let me make the same mistakes.

“I’m a lot like my dad, both in and out of the ring, but luckily I have his knowledge that allows me to see what can happen if you don’t behave like that between fights as well.

“I know the impact it can have, and I know I won’t make the same mistakes.”

Campbell made his debut in front of 500 fans in Gibraltar in March during the Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin match. It was an opportunity to showcase his skills, excite fans about his modern breed of Hatton, and start being Campbell Hatton and not just Ricky’s son.

Campbell Hatton secured his first professional victory.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Campbell Hatton secured his first professional victory. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Social media was in full swing throughout fight week, but as we’ve become accustomed to, social media is fickle, and keyboards across the country were frantically typing out words of dismay and negativity following Campbell’s performance.

“I don’t pay much attention to social media,” said the 20-year-old.

“Of course the opponent was narrow in terms of skill and didn’t offer much to put pressure on me, but he wasn’t stopped.

“The people who say, ‘Oh, we have to get him out of there,’ are people who don’t really know boxing and don’t know what these journeymen are about.

“I didn’t underestimate his ability because he didn’t offer much offensively, but I don’t think I was mentally prepared for how tough these journeymen were.

“Going forward, it’s just another experience and another piece of knowledge that I’ve gained, but you can’t just roll it over. So moving forward, I’ll have a little more patience. I know you can’t just raze them to the ground, they’re there to do their job, right? And then that’s exactly what he did.”

Ricky, Campbell and Matthew Hatton on fight night. Photo credit: Boxing Scene.

Hatton admitted he felt like he wasn’t even using half of his abilities in the ring, but he can’t wait for May 1, when he will show how much he knows he can perform in his hometown of Manchester.

Thinking back to his debut, the super featherweight fighter recalled how emotional his entire family was. Father, Ricky was caught on camera shedding a proud tear as the blue moon poured out of the speakers.

“It was a great night for the whole family, not just me, dad, Matthew and I. Everyone at home was a nervous wreck watching it too.

“Everyone has been through it, me, dad and Matt, and I think during the ring walk even Adam Smith said on commentary how it brought him back.

“From what everyone told me, they said it was terrifying, like I had gone back in time all these years. This is what he wants. Not only success in the ring, I want people to treat me like they loved me, my dad. My dad said it was his greatest achievement. To be loved by fans in the same way, that would be my dream.”

Campbell twirls his ring. Photo source: TalkSport.

Campbell recognized his flaws on his debut, the pressure was contributed to by his extensive media work, interestingly Hatton said “I’ve always dealt with name pressure quite well” and without the weight of his debut on his shoulders he looks forward to a long and fruitful career.

Hatton’s fighter before him, Ricky, advised his son that there were only positives to take from the professional bow.

“One thing my dad told me was, ‘If you want to be a champion, you have to deal with it. So you’re in a good position and you’ve already had a taste of it early on, so it won’t be as gigantic of a shock to you in the future.”

Looking ahead now, one thing is certain, Campbell Hatton is ready. A player like his father only comes along every once in a while and if he achieves half of what Ricky has achieved, he too will be a fan favorite.

Watch the full, uncut interview in the video below:

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One to watch this Friday: Ryan “The Piranha” Garner

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One to watch this Friday: Ryan "The Piranha" Garner

Ryan “The Piranha” Garner returns after a 14-month absence from the ring. Photo source: Sun

Boxing has its ups and downs. Like everything in life, it has its successes and failures, under and over results.

But it’s sporadic for someone who is said to be one of the brightest talents in the country, with the world in their hands, to simply throw it all away. Ryan Garner (9-0 (6 KO) almost did just that before he turned around and chose the path he wanted to take in life.

Garner turned professional in 2016 at the age of just 18, and in just over a year he quickly compiled a 6-0 record. With that kind of progress and his undefeated record, Ryan was someone to be very excited about in boxing.

“Some of it is my fault, so I can’t really blame anyone else but myself.” Garner told proboxing-fans.com.

“I just don’t do everything right, I don’t take it seriously and I’m not as dedicated as I should be. But that’s all in the past and now I’m ready to move on.

“I dedicate my whole life to this now and I want to start moving forward with my life, actually make something of it, securing my future.”

Sparring is a huge educational tool for prospects, and Garner had a world-class teacher in Carl Frampton. Photo source: Twitter

“The Piranha” last competed in the ring in February 2020, with Jamie Quinn looking like a fish out of water, and Ryan returns to the ring on Friday night to write the next chapter in a career so far full of promise and inaction.

“I’m a little disappointed that I’ve lost a few years to learn more about my craft, but I’m 23 and still very, very youthful in the professional game.

“I feel like there has been a little hiccup in my absence [I might have] then I started accelerating too early. I’m definitely not the fighter I am at this point. I’m much stronger, I’m much faster and I’m simply a better fighter.

“I think if I had gone too early, maybe I would have been discovered.

“Now is the right time, I am mature, I am becoming more masculine. That’s why I don’t think it was a waste of time on such things.”

Ryan competes in the super featherweight division, where Great Britain has enormous power at the weight, with the likes of Zelfa Barrett, Anthony Cacace, Martin J. Ward and Archie Pointed all on the verge of a world title shot.

Zelfa Barret defeated Kiko Martinez in a fight that will be dominated by indigent judging. Photo source: Boxing in the match room

Garner is 29th in the UK Boxrec rankings but will hope to catapult up the rankings after victory at York Hall this Friday.

“I was supposed to fight Paul Holt, but he pulled out, so now I’m fighting Jordan Ellison, I think.

“I think I’m fighting on 9.12 now, which is a lot bigger [than usual]. My weight with Paul Holt was 9.6.”

When asked whether a overdue switch to a heavier opponent had any impact on a player, the answer was straightforward: “Not really,” Garner said.

“If I was fighting for the title against really hazardous opponents, then yes, it would be a huge, huge difference, but at the stage I’m fighting the people I’m fighting now, if I really believe how good I am and what people say about me, then it should be well enough to adapt.

“I should beat people like that.

“When you’re sparring outside the camp, you’re a lot heavier and you feel damn heated, you feel alive, you feel like Arnold Schwarzenegger! You feel as sturdy as an ox!”

Garner in action during his professional debut as an 18-year-old. Photo credit: Frank Warren

From entering the boxing gym at the age of 10 to winning consecutive national titles. From turning professional under Frank Warren at the age of 18 to a rocky road in his professional career, Ryan Garner feels he’s on the right track and wants to prove it on Saturday.

The goal is straightforward: secure the future, live well and invest well. Fame and fortune are not crucial to the 23-year-old, but the good life is and if he can pick up a title or two along the way, Southampton will have a player to be proud of.

Watch the full interview below:

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Roy Jones Jr breaks down Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders

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Canelo halted Avni Yildirim in three rounds in February to set up his showdown with Saunders Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing

Former heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr returns to the ring to face Tyson in Los Angeles
Former pound-for-pound great Roy Jones Jr breaks down the Canelo vs. Billy Joe Saunders superfight.

Roy Jones Jr says Billy Joe Saunders is an “excellent boxer” and can handle Canelo Alvarez as long as he doesn’t mind resting in the ring.

A four-division world champion and current unified WBA and WBC super middleweight world champion, Canelo will face WBO champion Saunders on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Texas, live on DAZN.

Jones Jr, a former four-division world champion and super middleweight ruler in his heyday, believes Saunders has a style of boxing that has caused problems for Mexico in the past, particularly during his controversial split decision victory over Erislandy Lara in 2014 . and his only defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013

“A lot of people don’t give Billy Joe much of a chance.” Jones Jr told Matchroom Boxing.

“But you have to remember that I think the two people who have given Canelo the most problems in his career are Erislandy Lara and Floyd Mayweather.

“Who are both of these guys? Great boxers. Who is Billy Joe Saunders? An excellent boxer who also has quite good strength.

In February, Canelo stopped Avni Yildirim in three rounds to prepare for his fight with Saunders.  Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
In February, Canelo stopped Avni Yildirim in three rounds to prepare for his fight with Saunders. Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing

Alvarez, 30, has since gone 14 fights unbeaten, defeating the likes of Gennady Golovkin and Sergei Kovalev, and has defeated six Britons in his career, most recently Callum Smith, whom he dominated in December.

Two-division world champion Saunders, who was backed by WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, fought three times in two years, defending his title after a unanimous decision victory over Martin Murray in December.

While Jones Jr, who himself returned to the ring last November for his fight with Mike Tyson, admits Saunders’ lack of activity could prove crucial, the former pound-for-pound star insists the 31-year-old could face a grave challenge if he able to overcome a potential gap in the ring.

Saunders defended his WBO title after a dominant victory over Martin Murray in December.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Saunders defended his WBO title after a dominant victory over Martin Murray in December. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“So the only bad thing for Billy Joe is that he’s been out of the ring, so time out of the ring might hurt him,” Jones Jr. added.

“But if he can get into the fight and beat the rest of the ring, it will be a really good fight because it’s a classic fight you want to see.

“Classic boxer vs. boxer vs. classic boxer. So Canelo is known as someone who can punch but is actually more of a counter puncher, but it’s the same with Billy Joe and in fact Billy Joe can fight more of a counter punching style even than Canelo.

“It will be a really good and engaging fight if Billy Joe can get in the fight.”

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