South London light-heavyweights Dan Azeez and Craig Richards will settle their long-running rivalry far from Lewisham, as the pair head to Accra, Ghana for their December 20 showdown. Both fighters came up through the same amateur scene and even share a local barber, and see the matchup as a chance to elevate their careers and to claim bragging rights that will follow them home.
Azeez (22-2-1, 14 KOs) embraces the symbolism of fighting in Ghana, calling it both a celebration of his heritage and a pivotal moment in his career. At 36, and coming off back-to-back wins, Azeez knows the stakes. “The winner goes on to bigger and better things, and for the loser it could potentially be quits,” he said.
Richards (19-4-1, 12 KOs), is also rebuilding, having suffered a setback against Willy Hutchinson in 2024. He returned with an eight-round stoppage of Padraig McCrory in March and sees the Ghana event as a rare and meaningful opportunity. “To go and headline in Ghana in a stadium is unreal,” Richards said. “I knew when I heard Dan Azeez’s name he is a fighting man like myself and would take the opportunity.”
The proximity of their South London rivalry adds a personal edge. Richards joked that even their Lewisham barber displays their photos side-by-side. Both fighters insist that familiarity will enhance the matchup rather than dull it, with Richards calling Azeez “a good, solid competitor” and promising to seize the moment.
Fight card:
▪️Craig Richards vs. Dan Azeez, 12 rounds, light heavyweight ▪️Theophilous Allotey vs. Jayr Raquinel, 12 rounds, for Allotey’s WBO Global bantamweight title ▪️Ibrahima Diallo vs. Sampson Segbedzi, 10 rounds, super welterweight ▪️John Laryea vs. Holy Dorgbetor, 10 rounds, featherweight ▪️Ahmed Abdula vs. Obaro Eradajaye, 10 rounds, cruiserweight ▪️Sedem Ama vs. Chiamaka Nwaturocha, 6 x 2 rounds, super welterweight
