PREVIEW: Richard Riakporhe Vs Fabio Turchi

Written by Jared Parry on 8th June 2022.

Richard Riakporhe looks to continue to make up for lost time as he returns for his fourth fight since October when he squares off with the highly rated Italian Fabio Turchi in an eliminator for the IBF cruiserweight title at Wembley Arena. This bout was originally slated to take place in March, but Turchi withdrew through injury.

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Riakporhe found a huge break in 2018 when he beat Sam Hyde on the Oleksandr Usyk Vs Tony Bellew card. Riakporhe was actually behind on the scorecards, but Hyde sustained a grotesque swelling over his left eye causing the bout to be stopped. Riakporhe then went on to make a statement, as he stopped Tommy McCarthy in four in his next bout.

Chris Billam-Smith came next for Riakporhe. A genuine 50/50 fight between two of Britain's brightest cruiserweight prospects. Riakporhe won by razor thin decision, scoring a knockdown in round seven that ultimately swung the bout in his favour. Riakporhe picked up the British title next time out, as he defeated Jack Massey, dropping his man in the tenth en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Riakporhe endured a long lay off of just under two years, before returning to be featured as a figurehead of BOXXER's promotional deal with Sky Sports. Riakporhe returned to defeat Kyztof Twardowski over eight rounds, before knocking out Olanrewaju Durodola in five rounds just over a month later.

Riakporhe faced British prospect Deion Jumah next. This was supposed to be the Turchi fight, but Jumah, who was already on the card, stepped in as a replacement. Jumah gave Riakporhe moments to worry about, but Riakporhe's power shone through, as he dropped Jumah in the fourth, before stopping him with a sickening body shot in the eighth.

Turchi's big break came in 2018, as he became the flag bearer for Matchroom Boxing's expansion into Italy. Turchi had built up a 15-0 record before taking on Tony Conquest. Turchi dominated Conquest before stopping him in the seventh. Turchi returned just shy of six months later when he headlined the Tuscany Hall in Florence. Turchi's opponent Sami Enbom proved no match for him as Turchi knocked him out in a round.

Turchi's momentum was derailed next time out, as he was subject to a split decision defeat at the hands of Tommy McCarthy. Turchi wouldn't return until a year later, where he defeated Nikolajs Grisunins by a wide points decision, picking up the IBF International title in the process. The European Union title came next for Turchi, as he won as closely contested bout with Dylan Bregeon. Last time out, Turchi knocked Vukasin Obradovic out in a round as he hurtles towards an eliminator for a world title.

The undercard see's welterweight prospect Chris Kongo step up to face the tough Sebastian Formella. Last time Formella was on these shores he lost to Conor Benn but proved a tough durable fight for anyone in the division. An mouthwatering English title bout in the super middleweight division takes place, as Germaine Brown puts his title on the line against Zak Chelli.

Welsh Olympic hero Lauren Price makes her highly anticipated debut in the pro ranks. Price's amateur career culminated in the ultimate prize of an Olympic Gold medal, and will be looking to replicate that success as a professional. Viddal Riley returns to the ring this weekend following his impressive showing last time out on the Khan Vs Brook undercard.

Knockout artist Joe Pigford returns and looks to pick up the 20th win of his career. Ebonie Jones also looks to return to winning ways following being hel to a draw last time out.

Jeamie TKV  and Jimmy Lee have their second professional bouts, as they return to the venue of their debut victories.

Finally, 258 Management's Shannon Ryan returns, as she looks to build on her debut victory last time out.