Craig Richards

Boxing Light heavyweight

Craig Richards, nicknamed Spider, is a British light heavyweight boxer from Croydon in London. In 2021, he fought for the WBA (Super) world title and built a career featuring British and international titles, a lengthy comeback following an injury, and fights at the highest level.

Profile

The story

Richards made his professional debut on 28 May 2015 with a first-round TKO victory. In 2017, he won the Southern Area super-middleweight title. He then moved up to light-heavyweight, where he won the British title in December 2020 by stopping Shakan Pitters in the ninth round. In May 2021, he challenged Dmitry Bivol for the WBA (Super) world title in Manchester. Although he lost the bout by unanimous decision, the fight confirmed his place at international level. Richards later won the WBA International light-heavyweight title and suffered a defeat to Joshua Buatsi in 2022. An injury then kept him out of the ring for around 21 months. After returning in February 2024, he began working with Shane McGuigan, after which he rebuilt his career and won the IBF International light-heavyweight title on 20 December 2025 with a knockout victory over Dan Azeez.

In the ring

Fighting style

Tactically astute and technically skilled light heavyweight who combines distance, timing, and boxing intelligence. Richards has fought champions at world level and can influence fights both with controlled footwork and fight-ending punching power.

Results

Performance

Southern Area super-middleweight champion in 2017; British light-heavyweight champion from December 2020 after his victory over Shakan Pitters; participant in the WBA (Super) world title fight against Dmitry Bivol in May 2021; WBA International light-heavyweight titleholder; and winner of the IBF International light-heavyweight title on 20 December 2025 after his knockout victory over Dan Azeez.

Over the years

Timeline

30 April 1990: born in Croydon, London.
28 May 2015: professional debut with a first-round TKO victory.
2017: wins the Southern Area super-middleweight title.
December 2020: wins the British light-heavyweight title against Shakan Pitters.
May 2021: boxes against WBA (Super) champion Dmitry Bivol in Manchester.
October 2021: wins the WBA International light-heavyweight title.
May 2022: loses to Joshua Buatsi.
2022-2024: is absent for approximately 21 months due to an injury.
February 2024: makes his comeback and begins working with Shane McGuigan.
20 December 2025: wins the IBF International light-heavyweight title against Dan Azeez.

Influence

Legacy

Richards is among the British light heavyweights of his generation who have actually fought for a world title. His return after a long-term injury and the subsequent international title win give his career a strong second chapter. His definitive place in boxing history has yet to be determined.

Moments