Richard Riakporhe stops Durodola in 5 rounds to move closer to World Title shot

Richard Riakporhe showed just why he is so highly rated in the UK, with a clinical stoppage victory over experienced Olenrenwaju Durodola in just 5 rounds to claim the WBC Silver cruiserweight title.

Big hitting Riakporhe made a huge statement by knocking out a former world title challenger and has moved his way in to a mandatory position for the WBC Title, held by Illunga Makabu.

In the first round, hometown fighter Riakporhe started on the front foot, using his physical strength to push back Durodola much to his dismay. He had burst of success through the first round and had Durodola hurt in the final seconds of the round but the bell rang to save the Nigerian.

Riakporhe started the fifth round with an accurate left hook that landed clean on the chin of Durodola and sent the Nigerian to the canvas. Riakporhe pounced on his man and forced the stoppage with a flurry of powerful shots and referee Victor Loughlin had no hesitation to stop the fight.

"You know what, I think that was a decent performance," said Riakporhe.

"I was listening to my coach, listening to my corner, and I'm just hungry."

"I've been out of the ring for 22 months. I fought a month ago, and I'm back in the gym on Monday."

Florian Marku remained unbeaten in front of his army of Albanian fans that brought the party atmosphere to the SSE Arena. Marku (10-0-1) defeated tough Frenchman Jorick Luisetto over 8 rounds. The Albanian welcomed their countryman with an unrivalled reception, cheering their man on front start to finish. Florian showed his great versatility and pucnh resistance during the 8 round bout, every time Luisetto landed a punch and combination Marku took it without any trouble.

Dan Azeez dominated and stopped Hosea Burton to win the vacant British Light Heavyweight title in an seventh round stoppage Burton, watched on by his cousin Tyson Fury failed to regain the British title and lost to the aggressive and dominant Dan Azeez. 

Azeez took control from the first bell landing some huge shots on his opponent. Burton had success at long range but couldn't stop his opponent from closing the gap and took a lot of damage as a result. Azeez trapped Hosea Burton in the corner during the seventh a set up a brutal attack which forced the referee to halt the action and crown Azeez the new British champion.

Nick Campbell took another step towards being the first scotsman to win the British Heavyweight title as he stopped journeyman Phil Williams in three rounds to add another knockout victory to his growing tally. Campbell had his man down in the first half of the first round but Williams managed to evade an early finish but that just delayed the inevitable. Nick landed a huge right hand that sent Williams to the canvas and as a result ended the fight.

Hassan Azim made a perfect start to his professional career as he obliterated Ivan Njegac in just 51 seconds. His brother Adam also scored a knockout victory to please the couple hundred or so fans the brothers brought with them, he knocked out Stu Greener in just two rounds.

Hard hitting Mikael Lawal continued his impressive unbeaten run in the cruiserweight decision on Saturday night, with a stunning KO victory over Leonardo Bruzzese. Lawal landed a dynamite overhand right that had Bruzzese laid out on the canvas. In just a month and a half Lawal has scored to big knockouts and is climbing towards a big 2022 with title shots on the horizon.

Natasha Jonas boxed to a comfortable 6 round points decision over Vaida Masiokaite. Jonas didn't get out of second gear nor did she need to as her Lithuanian opponent had very little to offer. Germaine Brown opened the night with a comprehensive points victory over Ondrej Budera over 6 rounds. Brown improves to 11-0 and will look for bigger and tougher tests in 2022