Boxing Match Preview: Craig Richards (19-4-1, 12 KOs) vs. Dan Azeez (22-2-1, 14 KOs)

The 2025 boxing calendar features a compelling light heavyweight showdown as Craig “Spider” Richards defends his British and Commonwealth titles against Dan “Super” Azeez in a 10-round main event. Richards, coming off a career-reviving win streak, enters as the favorite with his technical boxing and counterpunching, while Azeez, a former British champion looking to rebound from recent setbacks, brings aggressive pressure and knockout power. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing in collaboration with local Ghanaian partners, this bout serves as a crossroads fight: a win for Richards could propel him toward world title contention, while Azeez aims to reclaim his status as a top domestic threat. Expect a tactical affair early, potentially exploding into exchanges as Azeez pushes the pace.

Venue Location

The fight will take place at the Legon Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana. This outdoor multi-purpose venue, located on the University of Ghana campus with a capacity of approximately 10,000, typically hosts football but has been adapted for boxing events. Known for its vibrant, patriotic crowds and open-air setup, it provides a unique backdrop, favoring the more adaptable fighter amid potential weather variables (expected clear skies, 28°C/82°F).

Ring walks for the main event are expected around 8:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT), with the undercard beginning earlier in the afternoon. The bout will be broadcast live on DAZN globally, with free-to-air options in select regions and streaming available via the DAZN app.

Injury Report

No major injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into the bout. Craig Richards, 33, enters fully healthy after a focused training camp emphasizing endurance and counterpunching against Azeez’s pressure style. Dan Azeez, 36, has overcome previous delays due to minor injuries in 2024 (shoulder tweaks) and is cleared for action, though his age and history of setbacks (delayed fights in 2025) could impact durability if the bout goes deep. Both camps have confirmed peak condition, with no last-minute concerns noted.

Fighter Matchups

This light heavyweight (175 lbs) bout contrasts Richards’ technical, counterpunching style with Azeez’s aggressive, pressure-fighting approach. Richards, an orthodox boxer with good footwork and jab, favors mid-range exchanges and body work to wear down opponents, while Azeez relies on volume punching, power hooks, and inside fighting to break down foes.Key stylistic contrasts:

Power vs. Precision: Azeez’s 64% KO rate (14/22 wins) could test Richards’ chin (stopped in 3 of 4 losses), but Richards’ accuracy (higher connect rate in recent fights) may frustrate Azeez’s forward pressure.

Reach and Stance: Both orthodox, but Richards’ longer reach (74″ vs. Azeez’s 72″) could allow him to control distance, while Azeez’s compactness favors infighting.

Endurance: Richards has gone the distance in 10 fights, showing stamina, while Azeez has faded in losses, making late rounds a potential edge for the champion if he avoids early damage.

Recent Form

Craig Richards (19-4-1, 12 KOs) is on a resurgence, winning his last two fights by decision after a stoppage loss to Dmitry Bivol in 2021. His form rating is 8/10, highlighted by a gritty points win over Zak Chelli in August 2025 to claim the British title, showcasing improved defense and counterpunching. Richards has stopped 6 of his last 10 opponents, but recent bouts trend toward decisions against tougher competition.

Dan Azeez (22-2-1, 14 KOs) has a mixed 4-2-1 record in his last seven, with a form rating of 7/10. After a knockout loss to Joshua Buatsi in February 2024 and a draw in a comeback fight, he rebounded with a TKO win in October 2025 over a domestic rival, displaying renewed aggression. Azeez’s power remains his asset, but defensive lapses have cost him against elite punchers.

Fight History

This is the first professional meeting between Richards and Azeez, adding unpredictability to the matchup. No prior head-to-head history exists, but both have competed in the competitive UK light heavyweight scene. Richards has faced world-level talent like Bivol, while Azeez’s losses came to top contenders like Buatsi, informing their approaches: Richards may box patiently, while Azeez pushes for early pressure.

Richards’ technical edge makes him the pick, but Azeez’s value as an underdog lies in his upset potential.

Betting Trends

Light heavyweight bouts in UK domestic scenes often favor the favorite (75% win rate in 2025 non-world title fights), but underdogs like Azeez cover the spread 45% of the time when priced +300 or higher. Unders have hit in 65% of Richards’ fights (durable, decisions common), while Azeez’s bouts trend over (6 of 10 over 8.5 rounds due to volume). Recent trends: Favorites in Ghana-hosted fights are 4-1 ATS in 2025, with unders at 60% in international cards. Boxing-wide for December 2025, unders are at 55% in fights with veteran underdogs like Azeez.

FIGHT ODDS

Craig Richards   + 215

Dan Azeez           – 290

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025