Richard Riakporhe devastates Fabio Turchi in just two rounds with a crushing body shot to edge closer to a world title challenge… as ‘The Midnight Train’ warns his rivals: I’m coming for everything’
British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe sent out a chilling warning to the rest of the division on Saturday night as he brutally stopped Italian Fabio Turchi in just two rounds – swiftly ending the fight with a devastating body shot.
For a fighter who had won 20 of his 21 fights as a professional, suffering one defeat on points – nothing about this bout screamed walkover, but Riakporhe made quick work of the Italian and made a huge statement about his world title hopes.
Riakporhe knew victory here would make him No 2 challenger to feared Latvian cruiserweight Mairis Briedis, holder of the IBF belt, and ‘The Midnight Train’ is well on his way to reaching his destination on time.
Richard Riakporhe moved closer to a world title shot after stopping Fabio Turchi in two rounds with a devastating body shot
The south London star left the Italian crumpled on the deck after the powerful hook to the ribs
Riakporhe told the belt holders he was ‘coming for everything’ after the statement win
A route to a world champion is opening up now and edging closer as his promoter Ben Shalom confirmed he is looking to set up fights with WBC belt holder Ilunga Makabu or Briedis, who holds the IBF belt.
The 32-year-old wasn’t given too long to demonstrate his skillset and actually looked under par in the first round and a half.
Riakporhe had promised to knock Turchi out cold, a man who had never been stopped in his career, but he started the fight tentatively as both men played a chess game in the early exchanges.
The south London fighter was the huge pre-fight favourite but was on the backfoot in the first round as Turchi chased after him, pinning him to the ropes and unleashing a couple of powerful right hands.
Riakporhe started the fight tenatively before coming up with his brutal shot to end the contest
Riakporhe continued to look nervy as he studied his opponent, taking time to work him out – but came up with the goods half way through the second round as he powered a devastating body shot with his weaker left hand that send the Italian crumpling to the canvas.
Turchi writhed in pain on the deck and this fight was over – even before his corner came rushing into the centre of the ring holding up the towel.
In a confident mood after his stunning victory, Riakporhe told any potential champion he was ‘coming for everything’ and was confident of knocking anyone out on his day.
‘I feel like I need to do some pads!’ he admitted after his swift KO. ‘I didn’t have time to get into it but I landed a good shot. I feel like I have the reputation now.’
The 32-year-old didn’t have long to showcase his ability but made it clear he is ready for a world title showdown
Riakporhe has now become the No 2 challenger to feared IBF belt holder Mairis Briedis
‘I feel I’m the new Body Snatcher,’ he added, risking the wrath of Dillian Whyte, who has held that alias for his entire career. ‘I knew there was a few spots where I was trying to target but you have to be intelligent.
‘My coaches are amazing – Robert Garcia, Angel Fernandez – we just had a simple plan, keep it long but look for opportunities and when you see it, punish and that’s exactly what we did.
‘I keep telling everyone I am that guy – I’m going back to the gym on Monday and I’m taking over in September. All these champions are running scared. I’m coming for all the smoke.
‘I’ve had enough, I want them all. I believe I knock them all out. I’m coming for everything.
Source: Daily Mail Online