Chris Eubank Jr Vs. Liam Smith Undercard Live Results: Richard Riakporhe Knocks Out Krzysztof Glowacki Via 4th Round TKO
Tonight Chris Eubank and Liam Smith take part in what will be a thrilling Boxxer event at the AO Arena in Manchester, with the two ex-world champions going head to head.
Smith moves up from light-middleweight to middleweight, while Eubank has reverted to his preferred weight division after his bout against Conor Benn was canceled following the latter’s two failed drug tests.
The co-main event sees hard-hitting cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe take on Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki, a former world champion.
Riakporhe intends to secure a world title opportunity for himself sometime in 2023, and the outcome of this bout will determine whether or not he can accomplish that goal.
There is quality throughout the event, as ex-heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker also goes up against former IBO cruiserweight world champion Jack Massey.
Follow the Live Results below, provided by FIGHT SPORTS
Main Undercard 1p.m. ET / 10.am. PT (Sky Sports Box Office) Live Results:
Co-Main Event: Richard Riakporhe v Krzysztof Glowacki – Cruiserweight Division
It was an uncomfortable opening as both boxers were standing close. Glowacki managed to get a left punch in, but the Londoner retaliated with a strong right jab, ending the tense opening round.
Riakporhe’s potent right hand had Glowacki in trouble as he staggered back in the second. Riakporhe could tell his opponent was in distress, but Glowacki managed to regain his composure.
Riakporhe was following his opponent closely thereafter. He went for the body, but his punches were not landing. He needed to use his hands more effectively as the fight progressed into the fourth.
Glowacki was managing the next round, approaching and throwing out hooks. He was successful in landing a left hand, however Riakporhe then connected with a right hand, sending Glowacki into a corner.
The lights went out, as the ref stepped in to stop the fight. It was the biggest victory for Riakporhe, and it puts him on the path to a potential world title.
Official Result: Richard Riakporhe def. Krzysztof Glowacki via 4th round KO
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧! 🚂
Next stop: A world title-shot? 🔜🏆 pic.twitter.com/OfXtXsA3Lo
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 21, 2023
Ekow Essuman v Chris Kongo– Welterweight Division
Kongo began with powerful punches, targeting the body, while Essuman landed a number of looping overhand rights. In the second, Kongo was a lot more active.
He started off with a double jab and a right hand, trying to land a left hook but was stopped by a two-punch combo from Essuman. Kongo was the one doing most of the work while Essuman was attempting to counter.
Kongo executed a pair of impressive double jabs in the third, leaving Essuman to swing and miss. Kongo was in control, doing a great job of feinting and landing a powerful uppercut, keeping up his strong start.
Essuman began quickly in the next round, evidently feeling the need to act. He pushed Kongo towards the corner. At the halfway stage, Kongo began to land more, including jabs and hooks, at will.
However, the round ended well for Essuman, who pushed Kongo back onto the ropes with hooks. This is where the fight turned somewhat.
The next round saw Essuman charge forward with a firm right hand. The pace slowed down, yet Essuman was being more aggressive. The champion was moving closer. Essuman started throwing, causing extensive damage.
Kongo miraculously managed to remain standing even though his legs were shaking. Essuman began to really up the intensity, as Kongo remained on the defensive.
A nimble right hook connected for Kongo as Essuman moved ahead clumsily, attempting to put on the pressure. Both fighters felt the strain as we moved into the last two rounds.
The eleventh began with Essuman’s forehead getting pounded by two right hands from Kongo. They exchanged blows near the ropes, but Essuman gained the advantage as he struck in rapid succession.
The last round proved decisive. A tremendous right hand rocked Kongo into a corner. Fortunately, he managed to evade further injury as the bout went to the score cards.
A majority decision followed as Essuman remained the British and Commonwealth champion. It was truly a fight that could have gone either way.
Official Result: Ekow Essuman def. Chris Kongo by UD-114-114, 1116-113, 115-114
🗣️ "Even when the odds are against you, you just got to keep pushing" 🙌
Ekow Essuman retains his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eWKsLBeubU
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 21, 2023
Preliminary Bouts Live Results
Joseph Parker def. Jack Massey via unanimous decision
📌 96-93
📌 97-92
📌 97-93Joseph Parker beats Jack Massey! 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/TQgyLqgj5M
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 21, 2023
Frazer Clarke def. Kevin Espindola after 4th round retirement
"We want Fabio Wardley in the next few fights!" 😯
Another stoppage for @BigFrazeBoxer 🚨#EubankSmith | @Boxxer pic.twitter.com/E8YQwIXcKr
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 21, 2023
Matty Harris def. Jiri Surmanj via first round KO
THREE first-round KOs in a row! 🔥@RealMattyHarris is a PROBLEM! 💥@boxxer | @WassermanBoxing pic.twitter.com/NzKUzYFH7F
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 21, 2023
Scott Forrest def. Amine Boucetta via unanimous decision
And Still Undefeated! The exciting @ScottForrest94 journey continues. He moves to 4-0 🔥
📲 Book #EubankSmith now on Sky Sports Box Office: https://t.co/JEQyhJN63q#Unleashed | 21.01.23 | AO Arena | @SkySportsBoxing @WassermanBoxing pic.twitter.com/AA5XubckB1
— BOXXER (@boxxer) January 21, 2023