Joe Joyce vs Richard Riakporhe Rumored for Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 Undercard

With just seven weeks remaining until Chris Eubank Jr’s highly anticipated rematch with Conor Benn, speculation around the undercard is heating up. The latest rumor points to a potential all-British heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Richard Riakporhe.

Joyce (16-4, 15 KOs), a former WBO interim champion, has seen his stock drop after losing four of his last five fights. At 40 years old, the Olympic silver medallist has faced calls from fans to retire while still in good health and with a respectable legacy in both amateur and professional boxing. However, he appears intent on continuing his career.

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom told Ring Magazine that talks are ongoing to include Joyce on the Eubank-Benn 2 card, with Riakporhe (18-1, 14 KOs) being a leading candidate. “We’re pushing for Richard Riakporhe to be on this card,” Shalom said. “A fight against Joe Joyce is a great British heavyweight fight. Tommy Welch is another option.”

Riakporhe, 35, transitioned to the heavyweight division following a failed attempt to win the cruiserweight world title in a rematch against Chris Billam-Smith—his only career defeat. His planned bout against Lawrence Okolie was later scrapped due to injury complications.

Riakporhe made his heavyweight debut in May, stopping Argentina’s Kevin Espindola in four rounds in Riyadh. With time not on his side, “The Midnight Train” is eager to make quick progress in the division—and a bout against a name like Joyce could be the perfect next step.

Now training under respected Scottish coach Billy Nelson, who also guides heavyweight contender Martin Bakole, Riakporhe is expected to grow into his new weight class. Shalom expressed confidence in his future: “I always felt that Richard was a heavyweight. It frustrated me that he couldn’t perform at cruiserweight anymore—much like Okolie. The injury withdrawal made motivation tough, but he looked brilliant out in Riyadh. I’m excited for him to get into the heavyweight mix. He can do serious damage now, and sparring Martin Bakole is only a good thing.”

Whether Riakporhe will pursue the British heavyweight title also remains to be seen. Should he succeed, he would become the first fighter to capture the Lonsdale Belt at both cruiserweight and heavyweight—an achievement that would solidify his place in British boxing history.