Boxing
Changing tracks: How can Richard Riakporhe seize stadium opportunity to announce new credentials?
Eubank Jr. vs Benn II exclusively on DAZN - Nov 15
Richard Riakporhe returns to the ring this November looking to underline his heavyweight potential - but 'The Midnight Train' could be closer to the final destination than he wants.
Over a year after he lost his WBO cruiserweight title challenge against Chris Billam-Smith at Selhurst Park, the London fighter pulls in for another stadium bout in his hometown.
This time around, Riakporhe isn't the headline attraction, instead third on the bill beneath Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn's rematch as he takes on countryman Tommy Welch.
But nevertheless, for the thirty-five-year-old, who changed tracks to heavyweight earlier this year against Kevin Nicolas Espindola, he has the chance to seize this opportunity.
Here, DAZN News outlines just what Riakporhe can do to outline his place in a new division - and how he can deliver on the biggest stage of his career yet in impressive style.
Go for the knockout
Save for a string of points decisions in the middle of his career, Riakporhe made a strong reputation for finishing fights early during his time in the cruiserweight division.
He couldn't find a way through Billam-Smith despite having done so five years prior to hand 'The Gentleman' his only prior loss however, marking his first defeat in the ring.
At points, it appeared as if reluctant to really let his hands fly, soemthing he rectified against Espindola this May. Against the budding, bruising Welch, he will need the same.
Master the knockdown recovery
On paper, Welch hasn't quite delivered the knockout ratio that suggests he could lay Riakporhe out - but any complacency and knockdown to follow is more than a lost point.
The best heavyweights can find themselves on the canvas - see Anthony Joshua against Daniel Dubois, and then the latter against Oleksandr Usyk - with a well-timed blow.
Riakporhe has been seldom tested on his recovery here. If it comes to it, he will need to emulate Tyson Fury's style - a swift rise back from the canvas with style to spare.
Push for the next fight
The winner of any bout gets not just the accolades but their chance to put their name in the shop window too. If Riakporhe prevails here, he'll get his chance on the microphone.
That might be one of the most important parts of his evening if victorious. With Welch dispatched, he would be able to move for a bigger fish on the WBO rankings, where he sits.
Bouts with Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma are likely to be off the table - but Jared Anderson, Nelson Hysa and Lawrence Okolie could all be credible depending on results.
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