Initially, the tender date was set for July 15, but the Australian signed a contract with Matchroom Boxing during this time, and both parties were given additional time to negotiate. Eddie Hearn offered to fight on August 23 in Australia, but Ben Shalom turned down the offer.
The section of the total amount in the possible tender is set at 65 to 35 in favor of the Australian. Earlier, Mateusz Masternak was appointed as a contender for the duel with Opetaya.
Riakpo in his last professional performance won ahead of schedule against Krzysztof Głowacki. Opetaya hasn't boxed since last year's win over Mairis Briedis.