Matchroom has booked a boxing show for Accra, the capital of Ghana, on December 20th. The evening will be headlined by two of Britain’s leading light heavyweights as South London’s Craig ‘Spider’ Richards (19-4-1, 12 KOs) and Dan ‘Super’ Azeez (22-2-1, 14 KOs) collide at Accra’s Legon Sports Stadium. Teenage heavyweight Leo Atang and India’s Olympic hero Nishant Dev join the lineup, delivered in association with Legacy Rise Promotions and 258BXG – and screened exclusively worldwide on DAZN.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “This is going to be a December to remember. Our first-ever show in Africa will be a truly momentous occasion. I am excited to be taking our business into another important global territory. We know the passion of the African fight fans is right up there with the most fervent in the world and this is a brilliant main event to look forward to with two of Britain’s leading Light Heavyweights in Craig Richards and Dan Azeez. And with young Heavyweight Leo Atang and rising star Nishant Dev, Ghana will witness the exciting future of the sport first hand. It promises to be a very special evening in Accra.”

Richards, who in 2021 lost on points to the now undisputed king of the division Dmitry Bivol, reunited with trainer Tony Sims for his win over Padraig McCrory back in March earlier this year when he stopped the Northern Irishman with an eighth-round knockout.

Richards is plotting one last hurrah to put himself back in the mix for more huge fights in the new year – but he knows he will need to be at his very best to beat fellow South Londoner, Azeez. Richards said: “I’m so excited for December 20th. Ghana has had some great fighters such as Azumah Nelson and Boxing has had many significant and historic nights in Africa, such as the Rumble in the Jungle. I cannot wait to headline such a massive event – and I plan to put on a statement performance.”

Former British, Commonwealth and European ruler Azeez, age 36, fought in Nigeria earlier this year – and he hopes to make Ghana a happy stomping ground for him on December 20th, stating how proud he is to be fighting once again on African soil. Azeez said: “I am looking forward to facing fellow South Londoner Craig Richards in Africa. This fight marks a significant moment for me — two talented boxers from South London taking their rivalry to the motherland. I see this as more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of heritage, hard work, and how far South London boxing has come on the global stage.”

UNDERCARD

The landmark night will celebrate Ghana’s proud fighting heritage and bright future as it showcases a host of Africa’s future stars of the sport. That includes Theo Allotey, Ghana’s own 23-year old. The Accra native represented his country at the 2024 Olympics and is undefeated in a dozen bouts as a professional, with ten wins coming by way of knockout. Allotey faces ‘The Dreamer’ Jayr Raquine from the Philippines fighter, who sports a record of 18-2-1 with 14 KOs...

Belgian Ibrahima Diallo will be hoping to silence the home crowd when he challenges Accra’s Sampson Segbedzi, who has yet to lose either in a junior middleweight contest...

Featherweights John Laryea and Holy Dogbetor battle in their native Ghana...

Plus, there is big cruiserweight action on the undercard with Ghana’s heavy handed Ahmed Abdula facing Nigeria’s destructive Obaro Eradajaye (20-2, 19 KOs)...

Female junior middleweight clash as Sedem Ama (4-0, 1 KO) faces Chiamaka Nwaturuocha (3-0, 3 KOs)...

Junior welterweight Jerry Lartey (7-0-1, 5 KOs) fights in front of his home crowd too, looking to keep his undefeated record intact.