The fight takes place on the Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard, with Riakporhe entering his third fight at heavyweight following wins over Kevin Nicolas Espindola and Tommy Welch.
The British heavyweight title is on the line.
Riakporhe made his position clear before the battle. “People just don’t know yet – I’m a serious player in the heavyweight division and if you don’t think I am, you’re a fool,” he said Sky Sports.
“But they’re going to see and they’re going to know and the naysayers they’re going to talk a lot, they’re going to promote my name and express, ‘Look, watch out for the “Midnight Train” because that guy is terrifying.”
He also addressed TKV’s approach to the interior. “You do it against a puncher. Sometimes it just takes one bad position or one mistake. 12 rounds is a long time to do it and be perfect.
“I feel like people haven’t seen me properly in my element and I haven’t had my day yet. But it’s going to come, it’s going to come soon.”
TKV enters as champion and plans to retain the belt. “I want to dominate every aspect of the fight,” he said. “Whether it’s mid-range, long-range or inside.
“I hurt people. People don’t realize, but I hurt a lot of people, even those with whom I went the distance.
“It’s exciting to see what’s next but my main focus is on Saturday. The most important thing is to retain that British heavyweight title.”
Riakporhe sees the title as a route to bigger fights. “Historically British heavyweight title fights have always been amazing. Big names who have gone on to do big things,” he said.
“There is so much opportunity right now, especially analyzing the landscape with all the top fighters coming to the end of their careers.
“Don’t be surprised to see many of us mixing it up for the world titles in the near future.
“Once we do what we have to do on April 11, everyone is going to be talking about me going up against these other big names.”
With the British title on the line, this is the fight that will show if Riakporhe’s power carries over to heavyweight.
FULL CARD, LIVE ON NETFLIX
Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov
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Jeamie TKV vs Richard Riakporhe
Frazer Clarke vs Justis Huni
Troy Williamson vs. Simon Zachenhuber
Breyon Gorham vs. Eduard Georgiev
Mikie Tallon vs Christopher Rios
Felix Cash vs Liam O’Hare
