Richard Riakporhe stopped Deion Jumah in their domestic cruiserweight clash at the OVO Wembley Arena to continue on his path to a world title shot.
Jumah had stepped into the contest at late-notice but he was unable to cope with the blistering power of Riakporhe who made his first breakthrough with a fourth-round knockdown. Jumah was able to clamber back to his feet and survive the middle rounds but was ultimately on the receiving end of another powerful shot that ended his night in the eighth round.
After a cagey start, both men were keen to settle down and establish their jabs during chess-like early exchanges in the opening two rounds. A similar pattern continued in the third stanza with neither fighter able to create a significant opening.
He beamed after the fight: "To all the odds makers putting money against me – you’re going to lose all your money, don’t do it! Absolutely [I want a world title shot]. That’s why I’m here. I know what I want and there’s nothing that can stop me. I bet on myself and I believe in myself. All I do is fight. I’m ready – just get me in there."
Riakporhe suddenly made the breakthrough in the fourth round, sending his opponent to the canvas with a booming right hand, but Jumah was saved by the bell. He continued to pile on the pressure in the opening stages of the fifth round but Jumah managed to fire back.
Proceedings continued at a much more frantic pace with Jumah able to claw his way back into the fight with his legs now fully recovered from the earlier knockdown. But Riakporhe created the all-important opening in the eighth round, sending Jumah crashing to the deck for the second time in the fight with the referee seeing no choice but to halt the contest.
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The 32-year-old claimed his 14th professional victory and handed an ominous warning to domestic rival Lawrence Okolie who currently holds a world title.
On the undercard, Caroline Dubois rallied to an opening-round stoppage victory in her second professional fight before rising star Adam Azim cruised to a routine first-round dismissal. Adam Azeez continued his undefeated streak in the night's co-main event with a dominant display which culminated in an eight round stoppage of Reece Cartwright.
