Richard Riakporhe Stops Tommy Welch in Two Rounds in London

London, England, UK - Richard Riakporhe made a successful return to heavyweight on Saturday night, stopping previously unbeaten Tommy Welch in the second round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. It was a dominant, composed, and ultimately punishing performance from the former cruiserweight contender, who showed his power carries north of 200 pounds without issue.

With the victory, Riakporhe improves to 19–1 (15 KOs), while Welch suffers the first defeat of his professional career, falling to 16–1 (11 KOs).

Early Feeling-Out — Round 1

The opening round was largely a range-finding session. Riakporhe, the naturally taller fighter, used his reach and physical presence to push Welch backward. Welch attempted to steal the frame with jabs and a few body touches, but neither man landed meaningful damage.

It was clear, however, that Riakporhe had already established the terms: measured pressure, calculated timing, and readiness to punish any defensive lapse.

Three Knockdowns Tell the Story — Round 2

Everything changed in the second.

Just moments into the round, Riakporhe uncorked a huge overhand right that crashed through Welch’s guard and sent him to the canvas. Welch rose but looked unsteady, and Riakporhe immediately pressed the advantage.

A sequence followed where Riakporhe physically bundled Welch to the floor — ruled a push — but Welch’s legs were clearly gone. Riakporhe continued applying clean, heavy shots: a left hook, a chopping right, and another right hand that scored the second official knockdown of the bout.

With under 20 seconds remaining in the round, Riakporhe stepped in again, landing yet another clean right hand that dropped Welch for a third time. The referee waved it off instantly.
TKO at 2:50 of Round 2.

It was authoritative, destructive, and exactly the kind of statement performance expected from Riakporhe given the matchup.

Different Levels — and Riakporhe Shows His Ceiling

This fight, from the start, was a test of class and composure. And Riakporhe made the difference in levels obvious:

• Sharper timing
• More disciplined footwork
• Better shot selection
• Bigger, cleaner power
• Zero panic, zero wasted motion

Welch, game but overmatched, simply couldn’t cope with the precision and force of the shots coming his way. This was a learning night for him — a hard one — but not an uncommon one in a division where one clean punch can flip everything.

What This Means

For Riakporhe

This is a highly useful victory for the Londoner:

• Confirms his power carries at heavyweight
• Puts him on the radar for domestic and fringe-world opponents
• Keeps momentum alive after recent inactivity
• Reinforces his “Midnight Train” branding — steady, forceful, reliable

He still has more to show at this weight, but the foundation is strong.

For Welch

A first loss, but not a career-ending one.

He was brave, he got up, and he tried to meet Riakporhe head-on.
But he learned the key lessons tonight:

• Upper levels require tighter defence
• Power alone won’t bridge the experience gap
• You can’t give a puncher like Riakporhe clean looks

Welch will need rebuilding, but he can return.