Richard Riakporhe, James Tennyson give up British titles

In the most notable developments revealed in the latest British Boxing Board of Control notices, both cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe and lightweight James Tennyson have relinquished their British titles, presumably with bigger opportunities globally on the horizon.

Both men only captured the coveted Lonsdale Belt in their most recent contests. Riakporhe, the WBA No. 3, outscored Jack Massey for the honour in an ugly December fight, but also holds victories over Commonwealth king Chris Billam-Smith (who will meet mandatory contender Deion Jumah for the British title on the November 21 Povetkin vs Whyte 2 bill) and Tommy McCarthy, who will challenge for the vacant European strap on October 31.

Tennyson, a former world title challenger at super-feather, stopped a gutsy Gavin Gwynne for the championship in August. On a winning run of five (all inside schedule) since stepping up in weight, the Belfast man resides in the top 15 for three of the major sanctioning bodies. Paul Hyland Jr has now been told to face ordered challenger Liam Walsh for the vacant title.

In other British title news from the notices: exciting 22-year-old Willy Hutchinson has been nominated to challenge super-middleweight ruler Lerrone Richards; Denzel Bentley and Mark Heffron will rematch in a middleweight final eliminator on November 14; Chris Jenkins has been told to defend the welter crown versus Ekow Essuman; and Reece Mould will now meet Leigh Wood for the vacant 126lb strap after Jordan Gill withdrew from consideration.