Results from London: Riakporhe and Azeez Win Impressively

Undefeated cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe (pictured) and undefeated light heavyweight Dan Azeez turned in strong performances tonight at Wembley Arena. Riakporhe (13-0, 9 KOs) had his way with 41-year-old Nigerian journeyman Olanrewaju Durodola (36-9) before the fight was waived off at the 36-second mark of round five. In a match that figured to be more competitive, Dan Azeez had all the best of Hosea Burton before ending the fight in the seventh.

The 31-year-old, six-foot-five Riakporhe, who overcame a rough upbringing and near-fatal stabbing to earn a college degree, rocked Durodola in each of the first three rounds. He took his foot off the pedal somewhat in round four, but closed the show in the next stanza. Durodola, who began his career in Kansas City, of all places, made it to his feet after eating a harsh left hook, but the referee properly waived it off. The bout was framed as a WBC eliminator.

The fight between Dan Azeez (15-0, 10 KOs) and Hosea Burton (26-3) was contested for the vacant British light heavyweight title. Burton, who spent much of his youth living in the same campsite as his cousin Tyson Fury, was 1-1 in previous engagements wrapped this wrapping after defeating Miles Shinkwin (TKO 6) and losing to Frank Buglioni (TKO by 12).

Azeez was the aggressor throughout and repeatedly beat Burton to the pinch. In the seventh, he trapped Burton against the ropes after landing a big right hand, forcing the stoppage.

On the undercard, lightweight Natasha Jonas, the 37-year-old Liverpool southpaw who gave Katie Taylor such a hard fight back in May, improved to 10-2-1 (7) with a 6-round decision over Lithuania’s outclassed but hard-trying Vaida Masrokaite (2-12-4). Jonas’s appearance compensated for the absence of Olympic silver medalist Caroline Dubois who pulled out with an unspecified illness. The 20-year-old sister of heavyweight Daniel Dubois, Caroline would have been making her pro debut.

Tonight’s card was the third BOXXER promotion on Sky Sports. The new British promotional firm, founded by 27-year-old Benjamin Shalom, jumped in to fill the void when Matchroom abandoned Sky in favor of an exclusive arrangement with DAZN.

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