Richard Riakporhe will return to ring on Saturday November 18th. He will take on France’s Dylan Bregeon.

Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KO’s) is the WBO’s number one ranked cruiserweight and must beat two-time European title challenger, Bregeon, if he is to continue on the path towards a world title shot in 2024. The WBO title is currently held by Chris Billam-Smith, a man Riakporhe beat by spilt decision back in 2019.

Earlier this year Riakporhe and his team chose to withdraw from a scheduled purse bid to face IBF champion, Jai Opetaia. He was then heavily linked to a shot at WBA cruiserweight champion, Arsen Goulamirian. 

“A lot has happened since I’ve been away but on November 18th I am back and reminding everyone why I am the number one contender in this division,” Riakporhe said.

The former British champion will be part of a busy Boxxer show which features two European title fights. Adam Azim will attempt to take the super lightweight title from Franck Petitjean in just his tenth professional fight while Birmingham’s Tyler Denny will look to continue his excellent run of form by snatching the middleweight title from Italian champion, Matteo Signani.

Bregeon (13-4-1, 3 KO’s), is a respected operator who took Billam-Smith the distance back in 2021 and dropped an eight round decision to newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Isaac Chamberlain in June. Riakporhe hasn’t boxed since January and the Frenchman should provide him with valuable rounds. 

“It’s been a frustrating few months for us after we did have a world title agreed in France in September,” Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and founder, said. “Fortunately, Richard is in a great position and we expect Richard will channel that into his performance on November 18th and come back to the ring with a bang to remind fans - and his fellow cruiserweights - what he’s all about. 

“It’s such an exciting time for the cruiserweight division particularly in the UK. We have Chris Billam-Smith defending his World title against Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth on December 10, Lawrence Okolie preparing for his shot at redemption, and Richard Riakporhe as the WBO’s number one contender waiting for the mandatory to be called. 2024 is going to be an incredible year for the cruiserweights as we look forward to some massive fights between these three men.”