Craig Richards is set to return to his hometown of 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 positions Richards against Belgrade‑born contender Radivoje Kalajdzic and serves as the headline undercard to the Johnny Fisher versus Michael Pirotton showdown. The Crystal Palace native is laser‑focused on defeating Kalajdzic in order to re‑establish himself among the elite ranks of the light‑heavyweight division and earn another shot at a world championship. Kalajdzic, meanwhile, arrives in London riding a wave of momentum after delivering a spectacular knockout of former WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
His résumé also includes a bout with Artur Beterbiev and a knockout victory over former title challenger Sullivan Barrera, underscoring his reputation as a high‑caliber opponent. Richards told Sky Sports, "I believe that stepping into the ring with him and delivering a statement performance will put my name back in the conversation for the world title, absolutely." He added, "I’m fully committed, ready to execute my game plan, and my ultimate goal is to become a world champion." The British fighter’s aspirations are rooted in his previous experience at the top level. In 2021, Richards challenged Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight crown.
Although he lost by unanimous decision, the judges’ scores were tighter than many had anticipated, demonstrating that Richards could compete with the division’s best. Bivol has since cemented his status as the premier light‑heavyweight by defeating Artur Beterbiev, a victory that highlights the level at which Richards hopes to return. Speaking ahead of the fight, Richards emphasized his determination, saying, "My story is still being written.
I didn’t endure all the sacrifices, the countless hours of training, and the personal hardships just to fall short of my goal of becoming a world champion. I feel that the effort I’ve poured into this sport deserves a payoff, and that payoff is a world title." He also reflected on the significance of fighting in front of a home crowd, noting, "Having a co‑main‑event in London, with my family, friends, and supporters watching, is the perfect platform to launch my comeback. If I can execute my plan on the night, it will open the door to the next step in my career." Kalajdzic’s recent knockout of Gvozdyk has elevated his profile considerably.
Gvozdyk, a former WBC champion, was a formidable opponent, and the decisive manner in which Kalajdzic dispatched him has generated buzz throughout the boxing community. Moreover, Kalajdzic’s experience against elite fighters such as Beterbiev and Barrera means that he brings a blend of power and ring intelligence to the matchup, presenting a serious test for Richards. The Copper Box Arena, known for hosting major sporting events, will provide a vibrant atmosphere for the fight. Fans can expect a high‑energy crowd, and the live broadcast on Sky Sports ensures that viewers worldwide will be able to follow the action in real time.
The promotion has also advised fans to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video playback experience. Richards’ preparation for the bout has been meticulous. He has been focusing on sharpening his jab, improving his footwork, and increasing his stamina to sustain a high‑tempo fight.
His camp has also studied Kalajdzic’s previous fights, looking for patterns and openings that could be exploited. The British fighter is confident that his strategic adjustments, combined with his natural power, will give him the edge needed to secure a decisive victory.
If Richards succeeds, the win would not only boost his ranking but also place him squarely in contention for a future title eliminator or even a direct shot at the belt. The light‑heavyweight division remains crowded with talent, but a convincing triumph over a rising star like Kalajdzic would signal that Richards is ready to rejoin the conversation among the division’s top contenders. Conversely, a loss could set Richards back further, making it harder to regain his footing in a division that has seen rapid turnover at the top.
Nonetheless, the London fighter remains undeterred, stating, "I’m not looking at this as a risk; I’m looking at it as an opportunity to prove that I belong among the best." The bout promises to be a compelling clash of styles: Richards’ aggressive, forward‑pressing approach versus Kalajdzic’s technical precision and knockout power. Both athletes have shown the ability to end fights dramatically, and fans can anticipate a high‑stakes encounter where the momentum could swing in an instant.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the promotional team has been building hype through press conferences, social media engagement, and training footage. Richards has been vocal about his desire to inspire younger boxers from his hometown, emphasizing that his journey reflects the perseverance required to chase a dream in the sport. The fight is scheduled for September 26, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly given the local interest and the significance of the matchup.
For those unable to attend in person, the live broadcast on Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre‑fight analysis, post‑fight interviews, and expert commentary. In summary, Craig Richards is poised to make a statement on home soil against a formidable opponent in Radivoje Kalajdzic. With a world title still within reach, the British boxer is determined to seize the moment, deliver a performance that re‑establishes his elite status, and ultimately claim the championship he has long pursued.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see if Richards can turn his aspirations into reality. Watch Craig Richards versus Radivoje Kalajdzic live on Sky Sports on September 26.