As the boxing world counts down to the highly anticipated Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn rematch, whispers from beneath the main event are growing into a roar. A domestic heavyweight clash of significant intrigue is now firmly on the rumor mill: the stoic veteran Joe “The Juggernaut” Joyce potentially facing the ambitious former cruiserweight, Richard “The Midnight Train” Riakporhe. This isn`t just another fight; it`s a pivotal moment for both men, a crossroads bout that promises drama and dictates career trajectories.
Joe Joyce: The Juggernaut`s Last Stand?
At 40 years old, Joe Joyce`s career has taken a sharp turn. Once holding the WBO interim title as recently as 2023, the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist has since lost four of his last five contests. For many, the sight of the `Juggernaut` absorbing punishing blows without reply has sparked calls for his retirement, a dignified exit with his health and an impressive amateur and professional ledger intact.
Yet, Joyce, ever the warrior, appears unwilling to hang up the gloves just yet. His professional record of 16-4 (15 KOs) still speaks to formidable power, but the recent defeats have clearly moved him away from the world title picture he once coveted. A fight against a hungry contender like Riakporhe isn`t just a stepping stone for his opponent; it`s potentially Joyce`s final opportunity to prove he still belongs among the division`s elite, or at the very least, to bow out on his own terms with a performance befitting his reputation. It`s a test of resilience, and perhaps a touch of stubborn defiance, against the inexorable march of time and an emerging force.
Richard Riakporhe: Full Steam Ahead in the Heavyweight Division
On the other side of the proposed ledger stands Richard Riakporhe, a fighter whose career is very much on the ascent, albeit in a new weight class. With an 18-1 (14 KOs) record, Riakporhe`s lone professional blemish came in an unsuccessful challenge for the cruiserweight world title against Chris Billam-Smith last year. That experience seems to have solidified his long-held belief that his future lay among the big men.
Boxxer Promoter Ben Shalom has been a vocal advocate for Riakporhe`s move to heavyweight, stating, “I always felt that Richard was a heavyweight.” Following a cancelled clash with Lawrence Okolie, Riakporhe made his heavyweight debut in Riyadh in May, stopping Argentina`s Kevin Espindola in four rounds. At 35, `The Midnight Train` understands the urgency; there’s no time for detours if he intends to climb the heavyweight ranks.
Adding to his renewed focus is the appointment of acclaimed Scottish trainer Billy Nelson, known for his work with Martin Bakole. Under Nelson`s tutelage, Shalom believes Riakporhe can do “serious damage” in the division. This fight isn`t merely a chance to add a recognizable name to his record; it`s an acid test, a gauge of whether his power and technique truly translate against seasoned heavyweights. He also has the intriguing prospect of becoming the first fighter to claim the British Lonsdale Belt at both cruiserweight and heavyweight – a historic feat that would certainly put a stamp on his new chapter.
A Crossroads Collision: What`s at Stake?
The potential clash between Joyce and Riakporhe is more than just an undercard filler; it`s a narrative-rich encounter. For Joyce, it’s a fight for relevance, a chance to prove the doubters wrong and perhaps prolong a storied career, or to deliver a memorable final performance. For Riakporhe, it’s a direct pathway to contention, an opportunity to make a resounding statement in his adopted division by defeating a former interim world champion.
Promoter Ben Shalom`s enthusiasm for the matchup is palpable. “We’re pushing for Richard Riakporhe to be on this [Eubank-Benn 2] card. A fight against Joe Joyce is a great British heavyweight fight.” He`s not wrong; it`s a classic setup: the established, albeit struggling, veteran against the fresh, hungry contender looking to make his mark.
This isn`t merely a fight; it`s a career defining moment in the making for both participants. As the Eubank-Benn 2 event draws closer, all eyes will be on whether this compelling heavyweight “dust-up” moves from rumor to reality, promising a captivating prelude to the main event.
Felix Harwood