Craig Richards Outpoints Dan Azeez in Light Heavyweight Rematch War to Claim British Title at Accra’s Legon Sports Stadium
The Legon Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, pulsed with African pride on December 20, 2025, as Craig Richards avenged his 2021 loss with a unanimous decision (117-111, 116-112, 118-110) over Dan Azeez in a 12-round light heavyweight rematch for the vacant British title. Richards’ superior boxing and counterpunching edged Azeez’s relentless pressure, marking a career resurgence for the 35-year-old Londoner in Ghana’s first major international boxing event. Aired live on DAZN starting at 7:00 p.m. GMT after prelims, the bout ignited X, with @BoxNation calling it “Richards’ redemption in the Motherland.” Accra’s vibrant fight-week, featuring a 15,000-strong crowd amid cultural festivals and Independence Square fan zones, turned this into a historic night for African boxing, blending Richards’ skill with Azeez’s heart.
Fight Overview
Richards vs. Azeez headlined the BOXXER-promoted card at Legon Sports Stadium, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. GMT on DAZN after undercard action at 4:00 p.m. GMT. Slated for around 9:30 p.m. GMT, the stakes were the vacant British light heavyweight belt: Richards, 35, sought revenge after a 2021 UD loss, while Azeez, 36, aimed to reaffirm dominance post his 2024 draw with Lyndon Arthur. Sky Bet odds favored Azeez at -150, with Richards at +120 as the road warrior. X framed it as “rematch redemption,” with @BoxingUK posting, “Richards’ jab vs. Azeez’s pressure—Accra’s African epic!” The 15,000 fans, hyped by local pressers and Azonto dance events, created a thunderous atmosphere. X polls leaned 55% toward Azeez early.
Craig Richards The 35-year-old from Crystal Palace, London, entered with a 19-3-1 record (12 KOs), orthodox at 6’1″ with a 73-inch reach. “Spider” averages 6.8 punches per round at 55% accuracy (Compubox), rebounding from a 2023 loss to Joshua Buatsi via 2025 wins over domestic foes. Training with Shane McGuigan, X clips showed him drilling counters. His 63% KO rate and experience make him durable, with @BOXXER tweeting, “Richards ready for revenge in Ghana.”
Dan Azeez The 36-year-old from Lewisham, London, sported a 21-1-1 record (14 KOs), orthodox at 5’10” with a 72-inch reach. The “Super” averages 7.5 punches per round at 53% accuracy (Compubox), former British/Commonwealth champ post his Arthur draw. Training with Buddy McGirt, X footage showed pressure drills. @SkySportsBox noted, “Azeez’s -150 is home-like support value.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Accra roars as Richards jabs from range, using height to tag Azeez. Dan closes at 1:30, landing a body hook, but Richards counters with a right at 2:45, swelling Azeez’s cheek. Compubox: Richards 28/48 to Azeez’s 15/35. @DAZNBoxing scores 10-9 Richards.
Round 2-3: Azeez aggresses in Round 2, ripping a left at 0:50. Richards circles, landing 32/55 in Round 3. Azeez’s cut opens at 2:15. Scores 20-18 Richards.
Round 4-6: Azeez traps Richards in Round 4, landing shorts at 1:20 (24 landed). Richards outlands 80-65 over 5-6 with counters; Round 6 uppercut wobbles Azeez. 10-9 Azeez Round 4, Richards 5-6.
Round 7-9: Azeez rallies Round 7, staggering Richards with a hook at 1:45 (26 landed). Richards reclaims in 8-9, jabbing 42/70. Cut worsens on Azeez. 10-9 Azeez Round 7, Richards 8-9.
Round 10-12: Richards dominates 10-11 with volume (50/80), body work slowing Azeez. Final round: Azeez swings, but Richards’ 30 landed seal it. Compubox: Richards 215/400 (54%) to Azeez’s 190/380 (50%). UD for Richards.
Key Moments and Impact
Richards’ Boxing: 215/400 punches (54% accuracy) dictated pace, counters key late. @BoxNation: “Spider spins web of victory.” Azeez’s Pressure: Round 7 stagger and 48 body shots threatened, 50% accuracy gritty. Fan Reaction: The 15,000 erupted for Azeez’s surges; X polls flipped to 62% Richards. Cut Impact: Azeez’s cheek cut bled heavily, absorbing 6.1 per round.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Richards, now 20-3-1, declared, “Buatsi rematch next—I’m back!” His win nets $75,000 bonuses, 60% KO rate strong; European title path opens. Azeez, 21-2-1, gracious: “Craig was better tonight; trilogy?” Stock dips slightly, but rematch clamor rises. Light heavyweight UK scene heats with Buatsi, Yarde lurking.
Event Context and Accra Atmosphere
The card featured local TKO wins by Ghanaian prospects; 55% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by cultural bashes; @DAZNBoxing: “Africa’s boxing arrival.” DAZN’s stream marked a continental milestone.
What’s Next?
Richards eyes Buatsi in 2026 London. Azeez targets tune-up. This Accra rematch crowns Richards British champ.
On December 20, 2025, Craig Richards outboxed Dan Azeez via UD, revenge claiming British gold amid Legon roars. Skill sets elite clashes, as UK light heavyweights collide.
