TKV (9-2, 5 KOs) will make the first defence of his British heavyweight title against Riakporhe (19-1, 15 KOs) on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s upcoming fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.

The two-time heavyweight champion will end his latest spell of retirement at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, with Netflix screening the action.

After spending years competing at championship level as a cruiserweight, the 6-foot-5 Riakporhe has filled out into a solid heavyweight and has scaled around the 235-pound mark for his stoppage victories over Kevin Espindola and Tommy Welch.

TKV represents a totally different challenge.

He is a natural heavyweight with underrated skills and full of confidence after beating Frazer Clarke to win the British title in November.

TKV isn’t taking anything for granted. The 32-year-old respects Riakporhe but knows that a meaningful win on such a high profile card will do wonders for his career.

“He's boxed at world level so, in a way, it's a step up for me because he is ranked number nine in the world at heavyweight (by the IBF) and he's No. 5 in the UK,” TKV told The Ring.

“So if anything, beating him will put me at a greater level than I am at now.”

TKV has shown a useful habit of being able to make opponents fight his kind of fight.

In June 2024, Riakporhe challenged Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO cruiserweight title.

Despite being handed home advantage, Riakporhe failed to rise to the occasion and fell to a very disappointing decision defeat in front of a large crowd at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park in south London.

Only Riakporhe will know just how big a part weight making affected his performance that night but once the fight started drifting away from him, he was unable to turn the tide.

TKV was able to engage Olympic bronze medallist Clarke in a high-paced, inside fight from the opening round of their vacant title fight. It does feel like getting off to a good start and setting an early tone will be a key part of his game plan when he fights Riakporhe.

“Exactly. That's always the aim and the busier I am, the more I control the fight. I tend to stay busy in there. I don't like sitting down because if you waste time in there, you're losing,” he said.

“I make sure I stay busy. I make sure they are fighting my fight. I can say this and that but it depends on what happens. I know what I'm going to do.

“Obviously, it was unfortunate that he didn't win that fight because it would have been good to see him as the cruiserweight world champion. I know Richard and wish him the best but it's just business now.

“We’re fighting each other, I guess. He moved up to the heavyweight division and like I said, it's just business.”