IBF Cruiserweight WTF: The IBF has ordered Jai Opetaia to defend his cruiserweight world championship against London’s Richard Riakporhe next; Opetaia earned the belt last year when he dethroned Mairis Briedis; Riakporhe is the only professional to have defeated new WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Jai Opetaia will next defend his IBF cruiserweight world championship against Richard Riakporhe.
The IBF designated London’s Riakporhe as the next challenger for their championship after Poland’s Mateusz Masternak backed out of a purse offer for his shot at the belt.
Before the fight gets to pursue bidding, there will be a period of time to enable an agreement to be made.
Opetaia of Australia was outstanding when he defeated Mairis Briedis to win the IBF title last year. He did, however, break his jaw in the battle and need shoulder surgery. Because of his ailments, he hasn’t boxed since last July.
Opetaia slammed Masternak on social media, writing, “What a waste of time. He used to be a good fighter, but now he’s a nothing. I would have let him go. Why waste the previous several months talking [nonsense] if you don’t want the smoke?”
But he must now return his focus to Riakporhe.
The Londoner has risen to prominence as a cruiserweight contender. He is the only guy to have defeated Chris Billam-Smith, the current WBO cruiserweight champion. Riakporhe knocked down former WBO champion Krzysztof Glowacki in his previous bout, propelling him to the No. 2 spot in the IBF rankings.
According to his promoter Ben-Shalom, “Richard’s got a big world title opportunity coming up next.”
Riakporhe is interested in a rematch with Billam-Smith as well as any other title possibilities.
“I believe Riakporhe versus Billam-Smith would be an excellent unification. Whether it’s next or not, I think that’s a huge fight,” Shalom added.
“However, Richard’s next fight will be for a world title.”
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