WBO world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie demanded “an official callout” from Richard Riakporhe, and his London rival duly obliged.
On Saturday Riakporhe beat a mutual opponent in Krzysztof Glowacki, stopping the Pole in 4 rounds, two rounds faster than Okolie managed in 2021.
The win leaves Riakporhe effectively positioned to problem for a world title. Okolie first has to return by means of a compulsory defence in opposition to David Light however would relish an all-British conflict together with his fellow Londoner.
Richard Riakporhe beat Krzysztof Glowacki in spectacular trend and was fast to focus on world title fights for the close to future
“I’m primary,” Okolie instructed Sky Sports News. “Richard’s somebody who’s not scared, he is not afraid. He would not take a look at me and say: ‘Lawrence is unbeatable’. He believes in himself, in his expertise, in his coaching.
“But sadly I do not assume it may be sufficient the day me and him struggle one another. But that is my opinion and the one technique to discover that out is to truly get within the ring and make it occur.”
After his win on Saturday evening Riakporhe had referred to as for a shot at any of the world champions. “I consider I’m No 1. I’ve at all times believed it deep inside me and [fighting Okolie] will likely be probability for me to show it,” Riakporhe stated when each fighters appeared head-to-head on Sky Sports News on Tuesday.
WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie is ready to return after practically a 12 months out of boxing. The heavy puncher from Hackney is ready to defend his WBO cruiserweight title within the UK early in 2023 reside on Sky Sports
“As lengthy because the enterprise is true, it might be nice to have one other title [on the line in the fight] as effectively. Because we will make an enormous unification struggle.”
Okolie stated: “I respect each fighter. I respect the talents that he is obtained. But as quickly as somebody says they need what you will have – your belt, your identify, to knock you out – as quickly as I hear somebody say my identify, as my observe document reveals, I’m able to go.
“Champions ought to struggle champions after which contenders ought to be dying to struggle champions. That’s the power that I’m on and I’ve been on it,” he continued.
“That’s why I’m a degree above. I’m capable of say: ‘Forget all this different stuff. I simply need smoke’.
Richard Riakporhe beat Krzysztof Glowacki in spectacular trend and was fast to focus on world title fights for the close to future
“When I used to be arising on the lookout for a world title, my power was by no means: ‘Oh, if the value was proper. Oh, if the enterprise is nice.’ It’s simply I wish to struggle.
“Don’t say: ‘I’m a fighter if the enterprise is smart’.”
Okolie went on to demand: “I wish to hear an official callout proper now from Richard, if he is up for it. Because I did not really feel the one which he did the opposite day. I wish to consider him proper now. So that when I’m going to coaching I’m considering, ‘After I beat my obligatory, that is one we will make subsequent if not one of the different champions need a unification.'”
Riakporhe did not hesitate to take up his supply. “We could make it occur for positive,” he replied.
“You know me, Lawrence. I’m a fighter and that is what I do. I used to be born to struggle so we will make it occur this 12 months. If you are on it, I’m on it.
“Let’s simply make it occur this 12 months. Simple.”
