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 encounter pits Richards against Belgrade’s rising contender Radivoje Kalajdzic and serves as the headline support for the main event featuring Johnny Fisher versus Michael Pirotton. The London‑born fighter, a product of the Crystal Palace boxing scene, has made it clear that he intends to defeat Kalajdzic in order to re‑establish himself among the elite ranks of world‑championship contenders. Kalajdzic, meanwhile, arrives in the UK on the back of a spectacular knockout victory over former WBC world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
His résumé also includes a fight against the formidable Artur Beterbiev and a knockout of former title challenger Sullivan Barrera, underscoring his reputation as a high‑caliber opponent. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the fight, Richards emphasized the significance of the matchup: "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. I'm locked in.
I'm ready to do a job. I want to be world champion." His words reflect a deep‑seated ambition to climb back to the summit of the light‑heavyweight division. Richards’ last shot at a world crown came in 2021 when he challenged Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight belt.
Although he lost by unanimous decision, the judges’ scores were tighter than many anticipated, indicating that Richards was competitive at the highest level. Since that bout, Bivol has cemented his status as the division’s dominant force, notably defeating Artur Beterbiev, a fighter who once stood in Richards’ own path. The Londoner’s objective now is to emulate that level of performance and regain his place among the sport’s top contenders. "My story hasn't been written yet," Richards declared, underscoring his belief that his career is far from over.
"I didn't do all of this and sacrifice everything to not accomplish my goals to be a world champion. So I feel like I should get a reward.
I'm not being entitled, but I feel like the work I put in, I should get something back out of it. And that's to be world champion." He added that fighting in front of a home crowd provides an extra boost: "For sure, co‑main‑event fight in front of a home crowd, you know it's a good place to start.
Execute on the night and we move forward from there." The atmosphere at the Copper Box Arena, a venue known for its intimate yet electric setting, is expected to amplify the stakes for both combatants. Kalajdzic’s recent knockout of Gvozdyk has elevated his profile considerably.
Gvozdyk, a former world champion, was a seasoned veteran with a reputation for technical skill and power. By dispatching him in dramatic fashion, Kalajdzic demonstrated not only punching power but also the ability to execute a game plan under pressure.
His prior experience against Beterbiev, who is widely regarded as one of the hardest hitters in the division, further validates his readiness to compete at the top tier. The upcoming fight, therefore, represents more than a simple stepping‑stone for Richards; it is a litmus test to see whether he can once again contend with the division’s elite. For Kalajdzic, a victory would solidify his ascent and potentially catapult him into discussions for a future world‑title opportunity.
Both fighters have expressed confidence in their preparation, noting that months of rigorous training, strategic sparring sessions, and mental conditioning have primed them for this moment. In terms of style, Richards is known for his aggressive, forward‑pressing approach, often looking to impose his will early in the round. He combines solid footwork with a powerful jab that sets up his more devastating right hand.
Kalajdzic, on the other hand, tends to employ a more measured rhythm, using his reach to control distance before unleashing precise, high‑impact combinations. The clash of these contrasting tactics promises a compelling tactical battle, where adaptability and ring IQ will be as crucial as raw power. The fight’s placement on Sky Sports ensures a wide audience, and the network has encouraged viewers to use a Chrome browser for optimal video playback, indicating a commitment to delivering a high‑quality viewing experience. Fans eager to witness the showdown can tune in on September 26 to see whether Richards can deliver the statement performance he believes will reopen the door to a world title, or whether Kalajdzic will continue his impressive knockout streak and further his own championship aspirations.
Regardless of the outcome, the bout is poised to be a pivotal chapter in both fighters’ careers. Richards seeks redemption and a return to the pinnacle of the light‑heavyweight division, while Kalajdzic aims to cement his reputation as a rising star capable of taking on—and defeating—seasoned world‑class opponents.
The narrative of perseverance, ambition, and the quest for glory makes this co‑main event a must‑watch for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.