Craig Richards believes this Saturday’s historic Light Heavyweight fight with Dan Azeez in Ghana will provide the perfect launchpad to reignite his world title dream.
The two South London fighters collide at the Legon Sports Stadium this Saturday – live on DAZN – in Matchroom Boxing’s first-ever show in Africa, in association with Legacy Rise Sports and 258 Boxing.
The pair have been afforded a warm reception in Accra after shining at a Matchroom in the Community event on Wednesday, where hundreds of local children were treated to a memorable grassroots session.
And amid suggestions of him reaching a crossroads fight with former British, Commonwealth and European king Azeez, ‘Spider’ Richards, 35, says this week has relit the fire within him to go on and enjoy many more big nights in the sport.
“First of all, I want to thank God for this opportunity,” said Richards, speaking at Thursday’s press conference.
“To be here and to headline such a historic show is incredible and I have to thank Matchroom and my team, Tony and Charlie Sims, for making this happen. It’s an honour and it’s a blessing. To be here and headline a show in the motherland [of Africa], I couldn’t really ask for much more.
“I’ve prepared dilligently for this fight. I’ve been working hard and I’ve still got big aspirations in this sport. Yes, I’ve had some ups and downs but I’ve come full circle and I’ve come together.
“I’m desperate to go out there and show the best version of me, to show boxing what I am all about. I want to push on and go and win those world titles and show how great I can be. Saturday night is the first step and without Saturday night, all of that doesn’t happen.
“I’m hungry and it’s great to be able display how good I am against another good competitor from Britain. It’s not like some journeyman has been picked to face me. This is a guy who has been tried and tested. So when I go out there and perform, I will get the full credit.”
Azeez, 36, is not willing to pass on this opportunity either – and he warned Richards to expect the very best version of him.
“This is a surreal moment for me to be fighting back home in the motherland and headlining,” said Azeez.
“I’ve been here [in Ghana] a few times. In 2019, I was at the Bukom Arena with my friend, telling him “this is a nice arena, you know?’ Some years later, I’m here headlining against a fellow South Londoner. So, this is a real big thing for me.
“It’s not just about getting the win, for me, it’s about inspiring the next gen by aligning with the goals of Legacy Rise Sports and Matchroom to bring back prime time sport here to Africa. I’m really grateful.
“I’ve got the strength, passion, desire and hunger [to win]. As Craig said, he didn’t pick me – well, that’s because nobody picks me. I’ve came here because I was given the opportunity.
“Credit where credit is due, Craig is a good competitor and has fought at world level. I’ve been wanting to fight him for a long time for the challenge. I know he’s a very good fighter, so what better stage to shine than right here in Accra, Ghana? You are going to see the best of me on December 20.”
Young Heavyweight hopeful Leo Atang features on a stacked undercard – which includes the bad blood, co-main event between unbeaten local rivals Freezy Macbones and Joanathan Tetteh – along with India Olympian, Nishant Dev.
Teenager Atang faces his third professional contest after turning over as a decorated amateur earlier this year, when he takes on Uganda’s undefeated, 3-0 (1 KO) Babu Yusuf.
But Yusuf told the 18-year-old wonderkid that a stern test awaits this weekend.
“Don’t tell me he’s highly touted,” said Yusuf.
“Hey kid, I’m bringing war. You’re just 18. I’m giving you the fight of your memories, bro. I’m coming all the way from Uganda and I’m bringing war. I haven’t come here to lose. Just keep that in mind – I have come here to win.
“You have just been fighting with dummies. I’m a real boxer. I’m going to punish you. I know you are a baby, but I don’t want you to go and cry to your coaches. I will bring you some milk for if you cry.”
Unfazed by Yusuf’s threats, Atang laughed at his opponent and told him to “bring the milk”.
He said: “I never go looking for it but hopefully I will get a knock out again. I think it’s perfect what he says. He’s saying I’m only 18, so he is going to be embarrassed when I put him straight on his a***.
“It’s great to be here in Ghana. I have to say a massive thanks to Matchroom, Legacy Rise Sports and 258 for having me on this historic card – and also to the Ghanaian people for making me feel so welcome over here. The energy is mental and I cannot wait for Saturday now.”
Super Welterweight prospect Nishant Dev, meanwhile, is looking for his fifth consecutive win since he became a pro at the start of 2025, when he takes on Tanzania’s Ally Mbukwa.
Dev said: “I’m really proud to be a part of the first ever show here in Africa for Matchroom. Everybody here has been really nice and I am ready to put on a show this Saturday night.
“I’m ready to show off my skills. All I can say really is that I am ready to steal the show with a great performance.”
