Former British world‑title contender Craig Richards is slated to square off against Serbian‑born hard‑hitter Radivoje Kalajdzic in a ten‑round light‑heavyweight bout that will headline the undercard of Johnny Fisher's heavyweight showdown at London’s Copper Box Arena. The event, promoted by Zuffa Boxing, will also showcase a middle‑weight contest between Lee Cutler and Louis Greene, making for a packed night of British boxing talent on September 26, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Richards versus Kalajdzic will serve as the principal support fight to Fisher’s ten‑round heavyweight main event at Zuffa Boxing 11. While the headline bout will feature the rising British heavyweight Johnny Fisher, the co‑main undercard fight promises to deliver a clash of experience and power.
Richards, a former British champion and world‑ranked contender with a record of 20‑4‑1 (13 knockouts), earned his reputation by challenging Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight crown in 2021. Since then, he has rebounded with two victories in 2025, including a decisive knockout of Dan Azeez in December of that year.
Kalajdzic, aged 35, enters the ring with a 30‑3 record and an impressive 22‑knockout tally. Though he has built his career primarily in North America, this bout marks his first professional appearance outside the continent.
His most recent victory came in February, when he stopped Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the seventh round, reinforcing his reputation as a ferocious puncher. The fight will test whether his power can translate against a seasoned British veteran on home soil.
The Copper Box Arena card also features a ten‑round middle‑weight duel between fellow Britons Lee Cutler and Louis Greene. Cutler, who recently dispatched Stevie McKenna on points in December 2024, has yet to suffer a professional defeat aside from that bout, which remains his sole loss.
His previous encounter in Bournemouth saw him halt Aaron Sutton in just three rounds, underscoring his aggressive style. Greene, a former Commonwealth super‑welterweight champion, earned a points decision over Daniel Buciuc in Dublin last week, adding depth to the middle‑weight lineup. In addition to the headline fights, the event highlights a historic moment for Zuffa Boxing: Kayla Allen, a decorated British amateur, will make her professional debut, becoming the first female fighter to sign with the promotion. Fellow prospects Alex MacMillan, Leon Hughes, and Fred Pullen—who is also turning professional—will round out the London card, providing a showcase for emerging talent across multiple weight classes.
Richards spoke to Sky Sports News ahead of the fight, expressing his enthusiasm for the matchup. "It's a very exciting fight. Everyone knows Kalajdzic can punch, I can punch, we've both been two fighters who haven't shied away from competition," he said.
He emphasized the mutual desire to push toward a world‑title opportunity, noting the appeal of a UK‑versus‑USA narrative. "I feel like my story is not written yet and I feel like I need to write it now," Richards added, highlighting his frustration with previous opponents who declined fights, labeling him a "hard fight" and a "long night in the office." He praised Zuffa Boxing for providing the platform to stay active and make a statement.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill with high‑profile contests, and Zuffa Boxing’s partnership with Sky Sports ensures extensive exposure for these rising stars. Fans can stream the event via NOW or watch live on Sky Sports, with the promotion urging viewers to use Chrome for optimal video playback. The event also promotes related content, including the Toe2Toe podcast and curated boxing highlights, aiming to engage a wider audience beyond the ring. Overall, the Richards‑Kalajdzic bout promises a compelling blend of experience, power, and national pride, setting the stage for an exciting night of boxing in London.
Whether Richards can leverage his veteran savvy against Kalajdzic’s raw punching power remains to be seen, but the fight offers both athletes a vital stepping stone toward future world‑title aspirations. The entire card, featuring both seasoned contenders and promising newcomers, highlights the depth of British boxing talent and Zuffa Boxing’s commitment to delivering high‑quality match‑ups for fans worldwide.