Craig Richards is set to return to his native London for a pivotal bout that will take place at the Copper Box Arena on September 26, with the event being broadcast live on Sky Sports. This fight sees Richards stepping into the ring against Belgrade’s rising star Radivoje Kalajdzic, serving as the headline undercard to the main attraction featuring Johnny Fisher versus Michael Pirotton. The London‑based fighter, who grew up in the Crystal Palace district, has made it clear that he views this encounter as a crucial stepping‑stone toward reclaiming his place among the world‑championship elite.
Richards believes that a decisive victory over Kalajdzic will not only boost his ranking but also place his name firmly in contention for a future world title shot. Kalajdzic, meanwhile, arrives in London riding a wave of momentum.
He recently delivered a spectacular knockout against former WBC world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk, a performance that underscored his punching power and technical skill. Prior to that, Kalajdzic has shared the ring with top‑tier opponents such as Artur Beterbiev and has also dispatched former world‑title challenger Sullivan Barrera with a stoppage victory. His résumé demonstrates that he is a formidable adversary capable of testing even the most seasoned veterans.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the fight, Richards emphasized the importance of making a statement. “I think going out there and putting on a statement performance against him puts my name in a hat for that world title, 100 per cent,” he said.
“I’m locked in. I’m ready to do a job. I want to be world champion.” His words reflect a deep‑seated ambition that has been simmering since his last title opportunity. Richards’ most recent world‑title challenge came in 2021, when he faced Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight crown.
Although he ultimately lost by unanimous decision, the judges’ scores indicated a closer contest than many had anticipated. Bivol, who later cemented his status as the division’s preeminent fighter by defeating Artur Beterbiev, proved a tough benchmark for Richards. The Londoner now seeks to match or surpass that level of performance, aiming to demonstrate that he can compete with the very best. The fight holds personal significance for Richards beyond the professional stakes.
“My story hasn’t been written yet,” he declared. “I didn’t do all of this and sacrifice everything to not accomplish my goals to be a world champion.” His comments reveal a blend of humility and confidence, underscoring the sacrifices he has made throughout his career—long hours in the gym, countless fights, and the emotional toll of previous setbacks. Richards also hinted at the emotional boost of fighting in front of a home crowd. “For sure, co‑main‑event fight in front of a home crowd, you know it’s a good place to start,” he said.
The energy of a supportive London audience could provide the extra edge he needs to execute his game plan effectively. The tactical approach Richards plans to employ centers on leveraging his experience and ring IQ against Kalajdzic’s raw power. He intends to use his jab to control distance, slip Kalajdzic’s heavy right hand, and counter with precise combinations.
By maintaining a high work rate and staying disciplined defensively, Richards hopes to wear down the Serbian fighter over the course of the bout, creating openings for decisive blows in the later rounds. Kalajdzic, on the other hand, will likely look to impose his aggressive style early, seeking to catch Richards off‑guard with his knockout‑ready punches. His recent knockout of Gvozdyk suggests he can end fights abruptly, so staying patient and avoiding reckless exchanges will be crucial for Richards.
Beyond the immediate fight, a victory for Richards could open doors to higher‑profile match‑ups and potentially a rematch with a top‑ranked contender. The boxing landscape in the light‑heavyweight division is currently dominated by a handful of elite fighters, and a win over Kalajdzic would position Richards as a credible challenger for future title eliminators. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the contest unfolds. The Copper Box Arena, known for its intimate yet electric atmosphere, promises to deliver a night of high‑octane action.
With Sky Sports providing live coverage, viewers worldwide will have the opportunity to witness whether Richards can translate his determination into a performance that propels him back into world‑title contention. In summary, Craig Richards is entering the ring with a clear objective: to prove that he still belongs among the sport’s elite and to earn a shot at the world championship he has long coveted.
His opponent, Radivoje Kalajdzic, brings a dangerous blend of power and experience, making this a compelling showdown that could have significant implications for both fighters’ careers. As the September 26 date approaches, anticipation builds, and the boxing community watches closely to see if Richards can seize this pivotal moment and reignite his quest for world‑champion glory.
Watch Craig Richards versus Radivoje Kalajdzic live on Sky Sports on September 26.