Richard Riakporhe is a promising cruiserweight who feels the heat rising. However, he believes that he has the secret sauce to staying cool under pressure as his fights for his world title shot.

As he nears his 14th fight against Deion Jumah, the 32-year old has a perfect record. He knows that one mistake could end his dream.

Riakporhe, who is being coached by Anthony Joshua‘s coach Angel Fernandez, keeps his head up with a strong focus on the task at hand. He also maintains a harmonious camp with one rule: good energy.

He tells Sportmail, “There’s a lot at play for me all of the time and my mind can’t forget the job,” I surround myself with positive people, good energy, and a good environment. It’s key. If I am with someone who lacks energy, it is impossible for me to be around them long enough.

“I need to surround myself with hustlers, achievers and go-getters. My life was transformed when I began doing this as a young man.

Riakporhe certainly made great strides after boxing allowed him to get a fresh lease of life after a 17-year-old stabbing that cost his life.

He was raised on the Aylesbury estate in south London. There he admitted to being led astray by friends and getting into trouble. These experiences have shaped his character, prepared him for battle, and kept him calm at fight night.

He adds, “The fights that I have had outside of the ring were more difficult than those I had inside it.”

“I have been fighting my entire life. It’s only a fight and it won’t last forever. I feel relaxed on fight night. It’s all about getting in there and doing what I need.

He predicts an explosive stoppage for Jumah, warning him that all his opponents have felt pain and grumbled.

“[The plan] is to inflict the most damage possible. On Saturday night, he’ll go through a lot.

“I have been blessed with a lot power. All I have to do is land. People crumble when I land a shot. My hurt rate is 100%. I have hurt all my opponents.

Victory has many possibilities, including a domestic match against Lawrence Okolie (British rival) in what could be a historic world title showdown. Riakporhe is more excited about his chances against him.

He says, “I am confident in any fight I take on.” “Everyone has weaknesses, and that’s what makes it so fascinating. Every single one of them will be fought. It is my destiny to be a world champion.

Riakporhe believes in surrounding himself with the right people. He was able to do this after spending time at camp with Joshua, a two-time world champion. Both of them are now working under Fernandez.

Joshua is back on track after last year’s defeat to Oleksandr Uzyk. He has now chosen Fernandez to be his coach after a long search for a new coach.

He was fortunate to have met several highly regarded coaches, including Canelo’s top trainer Eddy Reynoso as well as Ronnie Shields, who trained with Mike Tyson. Riakporhe believes Joshua is in the best hands to prepare for his Usyk match because he has a dynamic coach who is ‘obsessed with boxing’ and lives ‘like an fighter’.

Riakporhe says that AJ has worked with many coaches, but Angel is his favorite. This just shows the type of trainer he really is. Riakporhe says that AJ sees something in Angel and that he sees something in me, which is why he is his main coach.

“His style is unorthodox. He does things differently. Many British trainers lack energy. Angel is far more dynamic. Angel has learned from the Russian school of boxing, Cuban school and American school. He’s able to tie them all together.

He doesn’t have an ego. He just gets on with his job. He’s obsessed with being a true coach and learning the art of boxing every day. He is like a fighter. People like this are serious and you need to pick them. You must surround yourself with solid people if you are serious about reaching great heights.

Joshua was beaten by the Ukrainian, and his corner team received some harsh criticism. Joshua eventually left Rob McCracken as his trainer. Is Fernandez the right man to give AJ his belts against Usyk again?

He replies, “Absolutely.” “Angel will show what he can do in order to improve the fight, and everyone will see it when it comes time for the rematch.”

Riakporhe has found Joshua invaluable and is now absorbing his knowledge and guidance as a sponge in preparation for his fight with Jumah.

Riakporhe is most connected to his passion for his craft and burning desire to improve.

He said that AJ was a great example of a lot of people who have accomplished half the things he has. They would have left the profession. He acts as if he hasn’t accomplished anything. He is determined to improve, and that’s what character is all about. Not many people have it. It’s essential to become a champion.

Riakporhe can be found watching Crystal Palace when he’s not in the gym. Or, these days, you might spot him at their Beckenham training grounds.

He has forged strong relationships with the club’s players and its boss Patrick Vieira. Vieira invited him to his office to have a conversation about the south London community, and what they could do together, and how they could help the next generation.

Richard Riakporhe Foundation was established by the cruiserweight to educate schoolchildren about the dangers associated with knife crime. To inspire and guide youngsters, he visits London’s schools and community centers.

Riakporhe, who has had a near-death experience as well as a history of getting into trouble, wants to be a beacon for hope. He’s already made a complete turnaround in his life and is now a top boxer.

He continues, “Patrick is a wonderful person – so humble,” he says. He’s very down to earth. I was invited to his office by him, and we had a lengthy conversation about growing up in South London and his experiences in France. What are the challenges that black boys face?

It’s amazing to see the talent that comes out of South London. He stated that he would support 100 percent if you needed him for “anything you require me for, or anything you wish me to do.”

“He knows all about my foundation, and that I am passionate about it. It’s beautiful. I’m welcome to train at the club. I was there for the whole day, eating in the canteen alongside the players. It’s love, and it shows how great a team we are. We support one another and take care of our own. It’s like a family.

Riakporhe was seen on the training pitch playing with players, pretending that he is sparring with them, and getting to know them. Palace will be going to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals, just like him. Their impressive season under Vieira has seen Palace fend off the threat from relegation.

Riakporhe says he didn’t need to give players any ‘fighting talk” to incite their revival. He revealed that their remarkable campaign was all due to their dedication, which he completely agrees with.

“I’m just a fan, they do great and I have complete faith in Patrick to do the work. They are on it, even after the training session Christian Benteke was able to run sprints solo. I thought, “Yes, that’s the mindset a champion has.” It was easy to relate.

“When everyone else was leaving the gym, I felt like I had to keep going. My coaches begged me to go. That’s what produces results. People can’t see that, but I do.

Riakporhe has been urged to channel Tony Bellew and fight his beloved football team. He believes that a fight at Selhurst Park is only a matter of time.

“This year hopefully. We would like to meet with Steve Parish, he has already given me his approval. Yes, I’ll be wearing Crystal Palace colours. We have to represent the Palace hard, get all Palace fans out, put on an excellent show, and win. This would not only be for me but for everyone. I want to inspire future generations. It is possible to achieve anything if you just keep at it.

Riakporhe’s drive isn’t the only thing that sets him apart from the rest of the pack, as he strives to be a super star in boxing.

He grew up just a stone’s throw from Selhurst, and he followed football his entire life. So why did he choose to pursue a career as a boxer over football? Riakporhe controls his performance and is in complete control of his success. No one can stop him from pursuing the path he has chosen.

Boxing is a team sport, but we do it on our own. Some people won’t show up in football. Individual sports such as boxing and athletics require you to rely entirely on yourself. It’s almost like having control over everything. It worked for me, and it was something I enjoyed.

Riakporhe is in control of everything ahead of Saturday’s big fight, and he has so far played all the right cards.

Richard Riakporhe and Deion Jumah will be live on Sky Sports this Saturday night.