Richard Riakporhe chasing titles rather than just focusing on domestic scrap with Lawrence Okolie

Richard Riakporhe makes the first defence of his WBA inter-continental cruiserweight title against Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy in Peterborough on March 2.

The unbeaten South Londoner – 8-0 in the paid ranks with seven stoppages –     is on Matchroom Boxing’s show at the East of England Arena.

Riakporhe, mentored by Brixton heavyweight star Dillian Whyte, produced a stunning comeback to stop the previously unbeaten Sam Hyde in an epic battle at the Manchester Arena in November to win the WBA belt.

McCarthy has a 13-1 record, winning four straight since a unanimous decision points loss to Matty Askin in 2016.

“I’m feeling good going into this fight as I believe Sam Hyde is a better opponent than Tommy McCarthy,” said Walworth-based Riakporhe, 29. “That’s meant as no disrespect to Tommy as he’s a fighter that I’ve watched a lot of and have admiration for. I remember watching the Commonwealth Games back in 2010 and he looked pretty decent then.

“He’s got a good skillset and a solid background, but I believe that this is my time now and the momentum is in my corner. I’ll do anything to win and to keep on winning.

“There’s no way I’m overlooking Tommy as every fight is a huge risk and anything can happen, but I’ve got the bit between my teeth and I’ll be prepared come fight night.”

Riakporhe has spoken before about wanting to face British champion Lawrence Okolie.

“Lawrence Okolie has the British title at the moment and that would be a good fight for me in the future if he still has the belt,” said Riakporhe.

“I was focusing on individuals at one point in my career, but I soon realised that despite making noises, a lot of people don’t really want to fight you. I’d rather just focus on the titles right now, so I can progress in my career and get the experience that I need.

“I’d like the Okolie fight down the line, for sure. We’ve been close to fighting twice but it doesn’t sound like he wanted it. Granted he’s ahead of me with the belts and in the pecking order but a couple of wins and why not? He must be shying away from it for a reason.

“Having watched a few of his fights, Okolie has issues with movement. I train out in Cuba quite a lot, working on my lateral movement, so that mixed with my punching power will cause him big problems.

“It’s a good division at the minute with the likes of Craig Glover coming through. Win this on March 2 and I want them all over the next year or two – what’s the point in holding back? I would like to box overseas at some point as well. I want to carry on getting experience for the big day one day, which I know is going to come – and that’s for a world title challenge.”