NEWS: LAWRENCE OKOLIE OPEN TO FACING UNDEFEATED RICHARD RIAKPORHE

By: Jay Calderon

In England, the Cruiserweight division is getting quite interesting, with world titlest Lawrence Okolie at the forefront of the names of note.

Currently, Okolie is set to face David Light in a mandatory defense on March 11. However, if successful, the more lucrative options in the UK could be bouts with the likes of European champion Chris Billam-Smith and unbeaten Richard Riakporhe.

Most recently, Riakporhe soundly defeated Krzysztof Glowacki, stopping the former titlist in four frames. Soon thereafter, Riakporhe called for a clash with Okolie.

When speaking to Sky Sports, Okolie returned the interest in a potential clash with his countryman.
"I'm number one," Okolie said. "Richard's someone who's not scared, he's not afraid. He doesn't look at me and say: 'Lawrence is unbeatable'. He believes in himself, in his skills, in his training.

"But unfortunately, I don't think it's going to be enough the day me and him fight each other. But that's my opinion and the only way to find that out is to actually get in the ring and make it happen," stated Okolie.

It also appears the aforementioned Billam-Smith could be attempting to face world champion Jai Opetaia, which only adds to the interest for Brits at 200 pounds. 2023 could be very active just south of Heavyweight in the UK.

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