Former world title contender Craig Richards, the British veteran, is set to meet Serbian-born hard‑hitter Radivoje Kalajdzic in a ten‑round light‑heavyweight bout. The clash will be part of Zuffa Boxing’s Johnny Fisher event at London’s Copper Box Arena, where it will headline the undercard before the ten‑round heavyweight main event featuring Fisher himself on September 26, broadcast live on Sky Sports. Richards versus Kalajdzic is billed as the premier support fight for the Fisher headline at Zuffa Boxing 11.
The promoter has indicated that an opponent for the heavyweight champion, nicknamed "The Romford Bull," will be announced in the coming days, adding further intrigue to the card. Craig "Spider" Richards (20‑4‑1, 13 KOs) brings a solid résumé to the ring.
A former British champion and world‑ranked contender, Richards challenged Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight title in 2021. After a brief lay‑off, he returned to win his two most recent fights in 2025, highlighted by a decisive knockout of Dan Azeez in December of that year. His experience and power make him a credible threat to any opponent in the division. Kalajdzic (30‑3, 22 KOs) will be making his first professional appearance outside North America.
The 35‑year‑old, known for his brutal punching power, last fought in February, delivering a seventh‑round knockout of Oleksandr Gvozdyk. His record reflects a high knockout percentage, and his move to the UK stage adds a fresh dynamic to the event. Both fighters have expressed confidence that this bout could serve as a stepping stone toward future world‑title opportunities.
The Copper Box Arena card also features a ten‑round middle‑weight showdown between British pugilists Lee Cutler and Louis Greene. Cutler, who earned a points victory over Stevie McKenna in December 2024, has yet to taste defeat in the professional ranks, making him a rising star in the UK middle‑weight scene.
Greene, a former Commonwealth super‑welterweight champion, recently secured a points win over Daniel Buciuc in Dublin, demonstrating his technical skill and resilience. In addition to the main undercard fights, the event will showcase several other British talents. Kayla Allen, a highly decorated amateur, will make her professional debut, becoming the first female fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing.
Alex MacMillan, Leon Hughes and Fred Pullen—who is also turning professional—will appear on the London bill, providing a platform for emerging prospects. Richards spoke to Sky Sports News ahead of the fight, offering insight into his mindset: "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 underline his desire to stay active and prove himself against a dangerous opponent. Kalajdzic, known for his aggressive style, will look to showcase the power that has earned him a reputation as a knockout artist.
The matchup promises a classic contrast of British technical boxing against Serbian raw power, a narrative that should appeal to fans on both sides of the Atlantic. The event will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with options to watch via the Sky Sports app or a contract‑free boxing stream for those without a traditional subscription.
Viewers are encouraged to use a Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Beyond the fights themselves, the card highlights Zuffa Boxing’s commitment to expanding the UK boxing scene, offering opportunities for both established veterans and newcomers. By featuring a mix of heavyweight, light‑heavyweight, middle‑weight, and women’s debut bouts, the promotion aims to attract a broad audience and provide a showcase for diverse talent.
Fans can also look forward to additional content surrounding the event, including the Toe2Toe podcast, which delivers weekly boxing analysis, and a curated selection of highlights and videos that capture the sport’s most exciting moments. In summary, the Richards‑Kalajdzic showdown represents a pivotal moment for both fighters.
Richards seeks to reaffirm his status as a top contender after a series of impressive victories, while Kalajdzic aims to prove his power on an international stage. Their bout, set against the backdrop of a packed Copper Box Arena and a robust undercard, promises high‑octane action and could shape the trajectory of the light‑heavyweight division in the months ahead.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 26, at the Copper Box Arena in London. Tickets are available through the venue’s official channels, and the fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering viewers a chance to witness a potential future title‑contender clash.