Riakporhe Opens the Door to a British Title Shot for Johnny Fisher

Richard Riakporhe isn't waiting to see Johnny Fisher earn a title shot the hard way — he's already floating one. The reigning British heavyweight champion told Sky Sports he'd happily put his belt on the line against Fisher, provided 'The Romford Bull' first handles Michael Pirotton this weekend at the Copper Box. Fisher walks in at 14-1 with 12 knockouts; Pirotton stands at 12-2 with six stoppages, a step-up test rather than a gimme.

Riakporhe picked up the British strap in April with a win over Jeamie TKV, and he's not shy about where his ambitions sit. He wants a world title. But a domestic scrap with Fisher, he reckons, is the kind of fight local fans would flock to — and the kind of fight that pays. He described Fisher as strong as an ox, a genuine puncher, and said he'd be watching and cheering the Romford man on at the weekend.

Why the Fight Makes Sense

This is smart business dressed up as goodwill. Riakporhe knows a domestic heavyweight showdown carries built-in drama, name recognition and gate money in the UK. He even called himself a fan of Fisher and the Bosh family, framing the potential matchup as one for the crowd. That's the pitch: a fun, bankable fight while he angles for the bigger prizes waiting at the top of the division.

There's a catch, and it's a big one. Pirotton has lost only twice in 14 fights, and while his knockout rate is modest — six from 12 wins — that's exactly the profile of an opponent who can drag a puncher into deep, awkward water. Fisher's one blemish already exists on his record. Another this weekend, and the Riakporhe conversation evaporates before it starts.

What's Next

For Riakporhe, the endgame is a world championship, and he's made clear he sees himself operating near the top of the sport. But he isn't allergic to a payday on the way there, and a Fisher fight ticks every box: recognizable, marketable, and dangerous enough to sell.

So the ball's in Fisher's court. Beat Pirotton at the Copper Box and a British title fight is sitting there for the taking. Lose, and the offer goes back on the shelf. First things first — this weekend has to go right.