Boxer Lawrence Okolie has strongly criticized Richard Riakporhe, labeling him a “compulsive liar”. Okolie stated that his current priority is a heavyweight clash with Martin Bakole, rather than a bout with Riakporhe.
Okolie and Riakporhe`s long-standing rivalry was set to culminate in a fight on April 5, but the event was canceled after Okolie withdrew due to an injury.
Both fighters, previously rivals in the cruiserweight division, have recently moved up to heavyweight. Okolie made a successful debut in the weight class in December, securing a first-round knockout victory over Hussein Muhamed. Riakporhe also recorded a stoppage win against Kevin Nicolas Espindola in early May.
Earlier this month, Riakporhe spoke to Sky Sports, calling Okolie a “phoney” and casting doubt on the legitimacy of his injury. Okolie responded to these comments on Tuesday.
“Riakporhe is a liar, he`s a compulsive liar,” Okolie told Sky Sports.
He further elaborated on his view of Riakporhe:
“When it comes to somebody like Riakporhe, I am a two-time world champion, and he`s a 35-year-old prospect. He hasn`t achieved anything of note in his career. While I do want to settle that score eventually, he`s not at the top of my list.”
Okolie also highlighted the age difference, noting, “He is older than [Martin] Bakole but calls him big bro.”
Prior to his heavyweight transition, Okolie lost his WBO cruiserweight title to Chris Billam-Smith in May 2023. He then claimed the WBC bridgerweight title by knocking out Lukasz Rozanski in May 2024.
The London fighter is now eager to make his presence felt in the heavyweight division without delay. He is actively pursuing a world title opportunity and is open to facing the biggest names in the class.
“Bakole is more the type of fight I want,” Okolie stated. “I heard Bakole called me out today, so that`s the fight I want next. Him, [Agit] Kabayel, [Joseph] Parker.”
He added:
“Obviously you have to wait in line for the world champions, but those are the fights I desire.”
Regarding Riakporhe, Okolie commented:
“Somebody like Riakporhe, he needs to achieve something significant in his career. He`s trying to make a big deal out of a minor incident we had in the cinema. I`m simply more interested in facing Bakole.”
In recent bouts, Bakole fought to a majority draw with Efe Ajagba after suffering a knockout defeat to Joseph Parker. Agit Kabayel, meanwhile, has established himself as a dangerous contender in the division with impressive stoppage victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, and Zhilei Zhang.
Murray Blackwood