Former world‑title contender Craig Richards, the British light‑heavyweight who once challenged for the WBA crown, will step into the ring opposite Serbian‑born hard‑hitter Radivoje Kalajdzic in a ten‑round bout at London’s Copper Box Arena. The fight is positioned as the co‑main attraction on the Zuffa Boxing card headlined by Johnny Fisher, and it will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on September 26.
Richards (20‑4‑1, 13 KOs) comes into the contest with a solid pedigree. A former British champion and a world‑ranked contender, he earned global attention when he travelled to the United States to face Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight title in 2021. Since that high‑profile loss, Richards has rebuilt his resume with two victories in 2025, highlighted by a decisive knockout of Dan Azeez in December.
His blend of technical skill and punching power makes him a credible threat to anyone in the division. Kalajdzic (30‑3, 22 KOs), nicknamed "The Serbian Beast," is known for his ferocious knockout ability. At 35, the veteran boxer is making his first professional appearance outside of North America, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. His most recent performance was a dominant seventh‑round stoppage of Oleksandr Gvozdyk in February, a win that reaffirmed his reputation as a relentless aggressor.
Kalajdzic’s record reflects a high knockout ratio, and his aggressive style promises to test Richards’ durability and ring IQ. The pair will headline the undercard, supporting a ten‑round heavyweight showdown featuring Johnny Fisher, who will face an opponent yet to be announced. The main event is part of Zuffa Boxing’s eleventh London show, a program that also includes a middle‑weight clash between British fighters Lee Cutler and Louis Greene.
Cutler, who recently dispatched Stevie McKenna on points in December 2024, is coming off a three‑round knockout of Aaron Sutton in his hometown of Bournemouth. Greene, a former Commonwealth super‑welterweight champion, earned a points victory over Daniel Buciuc in Dublin just last week. Beyond the headline fights, the Copper Box Arena card showcases a growing roster of British talent.
Kayla Allen, a highly decorated amateur, will make her professional debut, becoming the first female athlete to sign with Zuffa Boxing. Alongside her, Alex MacMillan, Leon Hughes and Fred Pullen—who is also turning professional—will compete, underscoring the promotion’s commitment to nurturing home‑grown prospects.
In a pre‑fight interview on Sky Sports News, Richards—often called "Spider"—expressed his excitement: "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. We’ve been in with everyone, we’ve mixed it, we both probably want to push on now towards that world title and I feel like it’s a great opportunity. UK vs USA – that mix always goes down well!
I’m up for it, I’m excited and I think this is now going to be the best version of me going into the new chapter and I get to go and display what I’m about. I feel like my story is not written yet and I feel like I need to write it now.
The problem we had before is that a lot of opponents were turning [a fight with] me down, saying ‘he’s a hard fight, he’s a long night in the office’. Zuffa doesn’t allow you to do that, and that means I can get some activity. I can go out there and make a statement." Richards’ comments highlight his desire to stay active and prove himself against a knockout artist. The fight offers a classic contrast: Richards’ technical boxing and movement versus Kalajdzic’s power‑driven aggression.
Analysts predict a tactical battle where Richards will aim to neutralize the Serbian’s power with footwork and counter‑punching, while Kalajdzic will look to impose his will early, seeking a finish before the later rounds. The broader context of the event is significant for British boxing. Zuffa Boxing has been building a robust schedule for 2026, positioning London as a hub for both established stars and rising prospects.
The inclusion of a female debutante like Kayla Allen reflects the sport’s expanding inclusivity, while the presence of seasoned veterans such as Richards and Kalajdzic adds credibility and draws viewership. Fans can catch the entire evening live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available for those without a traditional subscription.
The promotion also encourages viewers to use Chrome for the optimal video experience, ensuring the broadcast runs smoothly across devices. In summary, the Richards‑Kalajdzic bout promises to be a compelling showcase of skill versus power, set against the backdrop of a vibrant London boxing night. With the stakes high for both fighters—Richards aiming to re‑establish himself as a world‑title contender and Kalajdzic looking to prove his knockout prowess on a new continent—the encounter is poised to deliver drama, excitement, and perhaps a stepping‑stone to future championship opportunities for the victor.