Richard Riakporhe is in confident mood ahead of his cruiserweight clash with Krzystof Glowacki | Boxing News

Richard Riakporhe has no doubt that he will emerge victorious over Krzystof Glowacki this weekend, which will move him ever closer to capture the much-desired cruiserweight world title.

Despite his limited amateur pedigree, Riakporhe has started his professional career flawlessly, having defeated 11 opponents in 15 victories.

Victories from domestic rivals including Chris Billam-Smith, Jack Massey and Deion Jumah have boosted the ranks.

The 33-year-old knows another winning statement about Glowacki on the Eubank vs Smith bill, live on Sky Sports Box Officewill put him on the brink of challenging for the world title.

When asked what he expected to be delivered on Saturday, Riakporhe said Sky Sports: “Lara! Yes it is. Lara will be saved for Glowacki, I can assure you!

“He’s always a threat. We’re talking about a guy who’s a two-time cruiserweight world champion. He’s not a mug.

“I know about Polish fighters, they are very strong, they come to fight. I picture myself against Glowacki who is very good. I have to make sure that I can beat the best Glowacki and that’s what I will do. to do that.

“I think winning is the most important thing, but we want to win in spectacular style and that’s why we train in a certain way.

“I feel great, look great, explosive, ready to do great, great performance.”

The troubled youngster saw Riakporhe grow up on the popular Aylesbury council estate in South East London and when he was just 15, he was nearly stabbed to death outside a nightclub.

That led him to take up boxing in an attempt to turn his life around and start his professional career with little fanfare, he began to make excellent progress to put himself in line to take one of the world champions.

“I think 2023 will be something very special, which is unimaginable because of the way I’m positioned, my whole life can change in a few fights,” he said.

“I’m going to be in an unbelievable position at the end of the year. This is my year! This is going to happen. Why? Because I did everything I had to do to achieve this.

“I prepared diligently. My thoughts were right. I sacrificed a lot and in this game one thing I know, you will get what you put in.

“It’s been a long journey. Every fight and every situation has brought me to where I am today. I believe I’m destined for greatness. I’m destined to go where people believe I can’t.”

One man who has beaten Glowacki is Lawrence Okolie, who stops the Pole in 2021 to claim the vacant WBO belt.

Other title holders in the cruiserweight division include WBA Super champion Arsen Goulamirian and WBC champion Ilunga Makabu, while Jai Opetaia holds the IBF strap after causing an upset against Mairis Briedis last year.

However, Riakporhe has long been linked with a big England clash against Okolie, who will return in his mandatory title defense against unbeaten New Zealander David Light.

If both sides remain unbeaten in their next match, Riakporhe relishes the prospect of finally settling the score in a fierce rivalry.

“It’s probably the biggest cruiserweight fight in the history of British boxing. That’s just so motivated. There’s so much to fight for,” he admitted.

“So I feel like it’s just destiny, it’s just destiny for me to win in a good way on Saturday and have all these big fights.

“It’s just amazing to be a part of. I’ve dreamed of something like this for a long time. To see it happen is unbelievable. I just feel like there’s so much more to do. My will, my will will take it all. way.”

Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on Friday 21st January, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now if you are a subscribe to Sky TV or a Non-Sky TV customers. Buy tickets here.