British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe says he is “absolutely” ready for a world title fight after extending his record to 14-0, with promoter Ben Shalom targeting a clash with WBA champion Arsen Goulamirian.
Riakporhe floored fellow Londoner Deion Jumah in the fourth round before knocking him out in the eighth as his power told against a game opponent at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.
Asked by Sky Sports whether a world-title opportunity is in his short-term plans, Riakporhe said: “Absolutely. That’s why I’m here.
“I know what I want and there’s nothing that can stop me. Nothing is stopping the Midnight Train.
“I believe in myself. Tell me an opponent and me and my team will work on what we need to work on.
“Get me in there [with a world champion]. We are on a mission and want to go places.”
Shalom: ‘Real deal’ Riakporhe ‘dismantled’ Jumah
Boxxer CEO Shalom said: “We are looking at Goulamirian next.
“I am so proud of [Richard]. When I met him he had been out of the ring for 12, 18 months without opportunities. That was all he needed
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Watch highlights from Riakporhe’s win over Jumah on Saturday night
“That was a tough fight. Fair play to Jumah, everyone knows what a good fighter Deion is and Richard just dismantled him because of his power
“Richard has so much more to go. He is a young 32-year-old, still learning. He is the real deal and his power showed that.”
Jumah – whose defeat to Riakporhe was his first in 15 fights as a professional – rallied after hitting the canvas in the fourth round but his night ended four rounds later after a crunching shot to the gut.
I want to be an inspiration for anyone who wants to achieve anything in life. Just put you mind to it, stay consistent and just go for it. That’s how I changed my life and why I am here today.
Riakporhe: Don’t ever count me out
Riakporhe said: “Big respect to Deion Jumah. He was giving me a lot of problems and I had to be patient.
“I conditioned my mind and mentally prepared that he was going to be awkward and slippery.
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Riakporhe put Jumah on the canvas in the fourth round before his fellow Londoner rallied
“I needed to stay patient and wait for the opportunity. It came and I took it.”
“[Jumah] was getting back into rhythm but I got some amazing instructions from [trainer] Angel Fernandez and my team.
“People don’t know my history but I’ve been through numerous occasions when I was behind and had to find a way.
“I’ve always got that [big punch] in me.
“Don’t ever count me out. If odds makers put money against me, you are going to lose all your money. Don’t do it again!”
