Riakporhe, Essuman and Parker Victorious On Eubank v Smith Undercard
In the biggest career-test, top cruiserweight Ricard Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) made quick work of former champion Krzysztof Glowacki (32-3, 20 KOs). Riakporhe came out like a caged animal looking to make a statement. The hard puncher called Night Train hurt Glowacki a few times early in the fight. In the fourth round, he unloaded some bombs that forced the referee to stop the fight and save Glowacki from taking further damage. Night Train is on the verge of a title shot and is ready to face any champion in the division
EKOW ESSUMAN NARROWLY EDGES PAST CHRIS KONGO WITH A LATE RALLY
Welterweight Ekow Essuman (19-0, 7 KOs) held on to the BBBofC and Commonwealth titles with a win over Chris Kongo (14-2, 7 KOs). It was a tale of two halves as Kongo controlled the early portion of the fight with the jab, movement, and footwork. Yet, Essuman came on in the second half landing hard overhand rights while pinning Kongo against ropes. Both men fought in a competitive phonebooth to close out the show. One judge scored it 114-114, as the other two had it 115-114 and 116-113, both for Essuman. 3Kings Boxing agrees with the first scorecard but has no issues with Essuman being named the winner.
JOSEPH PARKER GETS A MUCH-NEEDED WIN OVER JACK MASSEY
In a heavyweight showdown, former WBO champion Joseph Parker (31-3, 21 KOs) kept his career off life support with a victory over Jack Massey (21-2, 11 KOs). Parker fought like the bigger man from the opening bell. The former champion imposed his will on the smaller Massey, who was moving up from cruiserweight. Moreover, he drew blood on Massey’s face from landing a series of unanswered punches. Massey finally came alive toward the end of the fight, but it was too little too late. The judges had it 97-93, 97-92, and 96-93 in favor of Parker. 3Kings Boxing scored it 98-91 for the former world champion.
By: Bo Bland
