Jai Opetaia has a new opponent for his IBF cruiserweight world title. That opponent is Richard Riakporhe.
The source of the news, matchmaker, and manager Matt Clark, tweeted out the news on Wednesday night in the United States.
"Breaking news… the IBF has ordered @jaiopetaia1 to face Richard Riakporhe," tweeted Clark. "Teams have until July 14 to negotiate before a purse bid is called."
Opetaia who defeated the widely regarded best cruiserweight in the world, Mairis Briedis, to win his IBF world title in July of last year has not fought since. Opetaia has been unable to defend his belt yet due to injuries that occurred during his fight with Briedis.
Opetaia was originally set to face Mateusz Masternak, but the Masternak team informed the IBF they were going in a different direction.
Riakporhe is an unbeaten 33-year-old, who has sixteen professional wins. In his last fight, he knocked out Krzysztof Glowacki on January 21 of this year.
