Jai Opetaia v Jordan Thompson

[Master]

Jai Opetaia has been instructed to defend his IBF cruiserweight world title against Richard Riakporhe next.

After Poland's Mateusz Masternak pulled out of a purse bid for his shot at the title, the IBF mandated London's Riakporhe as the next challenger for their championship.

There will be a period of time to allow a deal to be reached before that fight goes to purse bids.

Australia's Opetaia was exceptional when he toppled Mairis Briedis to win the IBF belt last year. But he broke his jaw in that fight and also need an operation on his shoulder. Those injuries mean he hasn't boxed since last July.

Taking to social media, Opetaia lambasted Masternak, declaring: "What a waste of time. He used to be a good fighter, now he's a has-been. I would've retired him. If you don't want the smoke, why waste the last few months talking [rubbish]?"

But he must now turn his attention to Riakporhe.

The Londoner has become a leading cruiserweight contender. He is the only man to have handed Chris Billam-Smith, now the WBO cruiserweight champion, a professional loss. Riakporhe knocked out former WBO titlist Krzysztof Glowacki in his last fight as he rose to the No 2 position in the IBF rankings.

His promoter Ben Shalom told Sky Sports: "Richard's got a big world title opportunity next."

Riakporhe has had an eye on a rematch with Billam-Smith and any other championship opportunities.

"I think Riakporhe versus Billam-Smith would be perfect as a unification. I think that's a huge fight, whether it's next or not," Shalom said.

"But Richard will fight for a world title next."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...d48bf49&ei=187

[TIC]

mateusz masternak ducking for the easier option. didn't lawrence have a rematch clause? does that mean he's off to heavyweight?

[Master]

ormer WBC cruiserweight world champion Bellew believes this opportunity has come too early in Riakporhe's career.

"I like Richard and he’s coming on nicely but this may be a step too far too soon!" Bellew said on Twitter.

"Opetaia is a very good fighter who can do a lot of things well!

"I’d of [sic] targeted another champion and maybe caught this one in another 12 months? Really brave decision from Richard."

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1...d-title-fight/

[TIC]

this fight could happen on august twenty third in oz

[Master]

British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe has vacated his position as mandatory challenger to Jai Opetaia's IBF title.

Purse bids for the world title fight were due to take place on Tuesday.

Riakporhe, 33, said he had previously accepted two fight offers to contest the belt.

"I missed out on other opportunities, which has left me inactive. It is clear other parties were simply trying to disrupt my journey, which I won't let happen," Riakporhe said.

"I have chosen to go a different route and will be sharing news of another world title opportunity very soon."

Londoner Riakporhe last fought in January when he stopped Krzysztof Glowacki in four rounds in Manchester and was made mandatory challenger to Opetaia's belt in July.

Opetaia has been out of action since July 2022, partly due to a shoulder injury, but signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom last month.

Riakporhe is aligned with Ben Shalom's Boxxer and a purse bid would have given both promoters the opportunity to bid to stage the fight.

Opetaia, 28, is unbeaten in 22 fights and won the IBF title in his last contest against Mairis Briedis.

Undefeated Riakporhe is ranked as number one contender with the WBO, a belt held by his British rival and former opponent Chris Billam-Smith.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/66437940

[TIC]

another guy ducking jai. mairis will step up again