Richard Riakporhe Calls Out WBC Champion Badou Jack!
British cruiserweight contender Richard “The Midnight Train” Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) is a fighter on the cusp of a world title shot. A fighter he would love to face is the newly crowned WBC champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs).
CALLING OUT THE CHAMP
The Ripper is coming off an eleventh-round stoppage over Ilunga Makabu to capture the WBC title on February 26 in Saudi Arabia. While viewing the contest, Riakporhe posted the following on social media:
Riakporhe ranked second by the IBF and fifth by the WBC and WBO. He’s coming off a dominant, fourth-round stoppage over one-time cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Głowacki in January 2023.
HOW THEY WOULD MATCH UP?
At 6’5″, the Brit is tall and rangy for the division. Despite his height and length, the 33-year-old has no problems standing in the pocket and going to war.
The Ripper is the definition of an all-around fighter. He is someone that is not exceptional in one specific department, but is good at all aspects of the game. If they were to meet in the ring, it would be a battle featuring the youth and size of Riakporhe versus the guile, experience, and professionalism of Jack.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
What is the likelihood of a matchup between Jack and Riakporhe happening? It all comes down to dollars and cents.
After his victory over Makabu, Jack said that his door is open for the biggest fight available. Despite the impressive performance to capture the title, the new WBC champion knows he doesn’t have much time left. It’s clear that the 39-year-old Jack is looking to make as much money as he can before he eventually calls it a day.
Riakporhe is promoted by BOXXER, which has quickly become a promotional powerhouse in the UK. They have the kind of deep pockets that could entice Jack to defend the title against Riakporhe in Great Britain. It’s one of the more intriguing fights in the cruiserweight division.
