LONDON, England -
Richard Riakporhe put in an emphatic display to dominate and knock out Tommy Welch in just two rounds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The pair clashed on the undercard of
Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn, live on
DAZN PPV.
Son of former heavyweight world title contender Scott,
Welch had spoken of this fight as being his coming-out party, and told Riakporhe, nicknamed 'The Midnight Train', he'd be taking the last bus home at the final press conference.
He started the fight like he meant it. Welch rushed out as soon as the bell went in an effort to unsettle Riakporhe from the off, but the more experienced Londoner managed to get things together for the second half of the opener, landing his jab over the top of his opponent's.
It didn't take Riakporhe long to land something of note as in the second. He connected with a massive right which put Welch down and flat under the bottom ropes.
Welch managed to hold on for much of the rest of the round but with 30 seconds left, he was put down again with a right. Though the Brighton man rose to his feet for a second time, another shot left him on his backside again.
Referee Mark Lyson had seen enough and decided to wave things off, with no complaints from Welch.
Riakporhe said in the ring after: "We got the job done, respect to Tommy Welch, solid fighter, but we're moving on now. I felt good, I'm not here to play around. Next year, 2026, I want it all, I'm coming for you all.
"This is what I envisioned for myself in the beginning, cruiserweight was the appetiser, I want to be a heavyweight champion. I'm really interested in the domestic scene, I'm coming.
"Experience was the difference, I told Tommy to slow down a little bit, he doesn't need to throw so many bombs, but I respect every man who step into the ring."