Richards vs Azeez LIVE: Boxing fight result, latest updates and reaction after brutal knockout

Face off: Craig Richards vs Dan Azeez - (Getty Images)

Craig Richards vs Dan Azeez LIVE!

Craig Richards defeated Dan Azeez with a dramatic knockout victory in the 12th round of their light-heavyweight contest in Ghana. In a historic moment for Matchroom Boxing, where they hosted a show in Africa for the very first time, an evenly-matched contest topped the bill at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra. The two south Londoners, who live five minutes apart in the capital, put on a classic 12-round bout that was ended at the death with a rasping left hook from Richards, which slept his compatriot.

Azeez seemed to be having the better of the early exchanges, bopping and weaving in and out of range, looking to ruffle Richards’ feathers on the inside. However as the rounds wore on, Richards’ second wind kicked in, and he found his slick rhythm, able to time ‘Super Dan’ on his way in with the right uppercut.

Azeez continued to tire and was already on unsteady legs when he was stopped, but this is a statement victory for the 35-year-old Richards, who moves to 20-4-1 in his professional record. Elsewhere on the card, there was a slugfest between two home favourites - Jonathan Tetteh and ‘Freezy MacBones’ - with Tetteh just scraping victory after a wild bite from MacBones that saw him deducted a crucial point late on.

Craig Richards vs Dan Azeez latest news

• Tetteh defeats MacBones
• Allotey beats Raquinel
• Full card and schedule

That's all, folks!

00:41 , Oli Gent

Thanks very much for joining us on Standard Sport. What a fight, what a card.

Be sure to come back very soon for even more LIVE boxing action!

Richards vs Azeez: Round 12

00:18 , Oli Gent

What a shot! A huge knockout from Richards in the final round, and that is a silencer. 40 seconds into round 12, Azeez is caught by a massive left that knocks him down to the canvas, and medics rush the ring to attend to him.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 11

00:16 , Oli Gent

There is a bounce to Richards in these later rounds. He’s really looking to let his hands go, and he’s producing some excellent shots now.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 10

00:11 , Oli Gent

A lovely uppercut from Richards, who is just timing Azeez on the way in. Richards is looking rejuvenated now, while his opponent is visibly slowing. A crunching right ends the round.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 9

00:07 , Oli Gent

Richards is doing some better work, going looking for the uppercut as Azeez tries to close the distance. Richards is letting his hands go a bit more, and a one-two knocks Azeez into the ropes.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 8

00:03 , Oli Gent

More punches are being thrown in these later rounds, but Richards’ guard has been a bit leaky. A better jab from the taller man, and a good right hand to fend Azeez off as he comes in.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 7

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:59 , Oli Gent

Decent action at the end of the seventh as the pair begin to trade. Azeez is looking a bit tired, could he be feeling the pace of the earlier rounds?

Richards vs Azeez: Round 6

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:55 , Oli Gent

A good uppercut from Richards on Azeez as he comes in. It lifted the head of Azeez, but how much damage has it really done? He’s still there, bopping and weaving. Another tough one to call as we reach halfway.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 5

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:50 , Oli Gent

A right from Richards with 30 seconds left. A nice left to follow, but Azeez lands a good one-two at the bell!

Richards vs Azeez: Round 4

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:46 , Oli Gent

There’s a bit more commitment and desire in the shots from both men, with Azeez still showing good heart to get on the inside and rough his opponent up. A nice right from Richards hurts Azeez on the way in, however, and that could be crucial!

Richards vs Azeez: Round 3

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:42 , Oli Gent

Better work from Richards, who is beginning to establish his jab and landing some effective body shots as Azeez approaches. Some more good stuff in the pocket from the smaller man, however. A good match-up here.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 2

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:38 , Oli Gent

A nice jab and right over the top from Azeez to open the second. Richards hasn’t done a great deal yet with Azeez’s pressure, and Richards is a bit hesitant with his shot selection. He lands a one-two down the pipe in his first meaningful action of the round, but Azeez rocks him with a right just before the bell.

Richards vs Azeez: Round 1

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:34 , Oli Gent

We’re underway in the main event. It’s winner takes all for these two. It’s Azeez who looks to land the first jabs, with Richards the longer fighter and keeping his distance. Azeez is leading with that front hand, with Richards on the back foot but keeping his opponent at range. A good opening from Azeez.

Up next: the main event!

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:28 , Oli Gent

Here they both come!

Tetteh takes it via decision!

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:11 , Oli Gent

He wins the WBA Africa light-heavyweight title!

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 8

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:06 , Oli Gent

This has been a war. It’s not been pretty, nor has it been one for the history books, but it has been a good bout. Tetteh is out on his feet, and it doesn’t seem as though MacBones has much left in the tank either. Hang on, Tetteh is claiming that he has been bitten by Gyimah on the shoulder! What’s going to happen here? A point is off for MacBones. What will the scorecards read?

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 7

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:00 , Oli Gent

More of a slugfest now as we get towards the final round. Tetteh looks exhausted again in what has been a rollercoaster scrap for him. How much left have these two got?

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 6

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:56 , Oli Gent

Tetteh has been more awkward this round and looks a bit livelier than he has done previously. He may well have snuck that, with the pace slowly significantly from both men. Will this go the distance?

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 5

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:52 , Oli Gent

A more even round with Tetteh launching a couple of haymakers. They both look as though they are feeling the heat a bit now, but MacBones is still trying to be the aggressor.

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 4

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:48 , Oli Gent

Halfway through this one and another big round for Gyimah as Tetteh is looking very, very tired in his corner. He’s breathing heavily after a bit of a beat-down there. MacBones landed some clean bangs in that round.

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 3

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:43 , Oli Gent

A huge left from Gyimah hurts Tetteh, whose legs buckled up against the ropes. Another left hook gets through from MacBones, who is advancing well behind the jab. A great round for Gyimah there.

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 2

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:39 , Oli Gent

Some bombs being thrown by the two, but there’s nothing heavy landing. Tetteh is breathing a bit more deeply now, perhaps feeling the faster pace. Another even round.

Gyimah vs Tetteh: Round 1

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:35 , Oli Gent

Pride and bragging rights on the line between these two bitter Ghanaian rivals. Both are front-footed in the early exchanges, with ‘Freezy MacBones’ (Gyimah) taking a body shot from Tetteh. An aggressive start from the pair with the right uppercut from Tetteh getting through.

Up next: Seth Gyimah vs Jonathan Tetteh

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:25 , Oli Gent

A huge reception for Tetteh, with fireworks and dancers alike. Time for Gyimah.

Allotey takes it by decision!

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:13 , Oli Gent

The Ghanaian wins the WBO global super-flyweight title!

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 12

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:04 , Oli Gent

That’s it! No knockdowns, but a good performance from Allotey, who raises his hands confident of victory. It’ll go the judges.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 11

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:58 , Oli Gent

Another close one as we approach the final round. Raquinel is out on his feet, and those left hooks from Allotey are doing some damage.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 10

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:54 , Oli Gent

The president of Ghana is in the house as the fight continues. A bit of a weird one there, with the fighters thinking they need to stop as the national anthem blares. Allotey is continuing to rain down blows on Raquinel.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 9

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:49 , Oli Gent

Raquinel is breathing a bit heavier, with the Ghanaian continuing to turn up the heat. Both men’s tape comes loose on their gloves, and there’s a momentary pause before the bell.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 8

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:45 , Oli Gent

More good work from Allotey. He has seized the initiative, and is ahead on the scorecards with his aggression and front-footedness.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 7

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:41 , Oli Gent

Allotey looking to turn the screw, with Raquinel upping his intensity too. Some feints being thrown in from both sides. A couple of good hooks off the lead hand as well are breaking through guards. A good end from that round from Allotey, who steps on the gas as a body shot gets through!

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 6

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:37 , Oli Gent

Good work from Allotey. This is becoming a very even match-up. The home favourite was controlling the pace there, and takes the round.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 5

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:33 , Oli Gent

Both are boxing well as the tempo begins to creep up again. Good work from Raquinel trying to back his opponent up and work downstairs. Allotey is coming back with a spearing jab.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 4

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:28 , Oli Gent

It’s heating up in the fourth as both are letting their hands go. Allotey is having some success off that left hook, with the Ghanaian’s work rate improving.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 3

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:24 , Oli Gent

Both men trading blows as the speed of punch increases. Another strong round from Raquinel, with Allotey being a bit taken by surprise here!

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 2

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:20 , Oli Gent

Better work from Raquinel, showing good hand speed. He seems to have settled into the fight. The Filipino is upping the tempo nicely.

Allotey vs Raquinel: Round 1

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:16 , Oli Gent

A lovely counter-left hook from Allotey off the bat. It’s a high-octane start in the opening round, with both men looking for big shots early. A right this time catches Raquinel too. The Ghanaian takes this round.

Up next: Theo Allotey vs Jayr Raquinel

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:58 , Oli Gent

The Filipino Raquinel takes on the home favourite Allotey in the super-flyweight division. A big moment for Ghanaian boxing, with Allotey undefeated in his 12 professional bouts so far.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 10

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:49 , Oli Gent

Final round, and neither fighter is really looking for a stoppage here. Diallo has been comfortable all the way through this bout. An easy victory.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 9

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:45 , Oli Gent

A slip from the Ghanaian - no knockdown - but he is visibly tiring at a rapid rate. The pair tie up as Segbedzi goes crazy on the approach. One more to go.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 8

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:40 , Oli Gent

Composed right through to the end from Diallo. Boxing clean, hardly breaking a sweat. It’s just classy stuff, as he looks to up the tempo a bit. Segbedzi is trying his best to keep swinging, but can’t get his jab set.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 7

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:37 , Oli Gent

The gumshield is out once more for Segbedzi, and a point is deducted. The ref has had enough. All too easy for Diallo, but can he put on some big-time entertainment with a stoppage?

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 6

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:32 , Oli Gent

Another solid round in the books from Diallo. No closer to a stoppage, but he’s really showing the levels.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 5

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:28 , Oli Gent

A really, really polished performance so far from ‘The Diamond’. He is cruising to victory here. Segbedzi needs to get a bit rougher in the inside and ramp up the pace.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 4

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:23 , Oli Gent

Segbedzi’s mouthguard is out again in this fight and the ref is getting annoyed. No point off at this point, but it seems like final warning. Diallo is just too slick and quick for him. Every time Segbedzi darts forward, the Belgian is just not there.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 3

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:19 , Oli Gent

Diallo is such an awkward opponent. Segbedzi doesn’t know whether to engage and dive in, looking for that right hand, but he’s out of range and out of sorts. He’s three down.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 2

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:16 , Oli Gent

The speed of Diallo is beginning to frustrate Segbedzi. The longer fighter is keeping his distance and keeping his opponent at range, drawing him into the pocket and countering nicely as he lunges in.

Diallo vs Segbedzi: Round 1

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:11 , Oli Gent

The IBF super-welterweight international belt is on the line here. A chance for both men to make a statement. Diallo, the southpaw, is looking to get on the front foot early. Segbedzi needs to find a way to get around that jab. You can see that Diallo has that reach advantage as well. How can the Ghanaian react?

Diallo vs Segbedzi

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:06 , Oli Gent

‘The Diamond’ makes his entrance. He’s in full regalia and is looking serious as he steps between the ropes.

Up next: Ibrahima Diallo vs Sampson Segbedzi

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:02 , Oli Gent

The heavy-handed Segbedzi is on next. Seven knockouts in his 10 wins so far. Just 27, he has an opportunity to impress in front of his home fans.

Atang vs Yusuf: Round 1

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:54 , Oli Gent

Atang is two fights, two wins. Looking for a third here, and another by way of knockout. He’s started this bout confidently, getting behind the jab, looking to test Yusuf. A short right lands upstairs. Another good left and some body work... and there it is! Yusuf is stopped! What a performance from Atang.

Leo Atang vs Babu Yusuf

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:50 , Oli Gent

Yusuf is in the ring, and the York-born Atang begins his walk-on. Another Matchroom prospect.

Up next: Leo Atang vs Babu Yusuf

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:41 , Oli Gent

We’ll begin to start working through the undercard shortly...

Dev vs Mbukwa: Round 4

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:29 , Oli Gent

It’s stopped! The referee is getting closer and closer to the action as Dev continues to rain shots down, and finally he steps in to call it a day. A fourth-round stoppage for the prospect.

Dev vs Mbukwa: Round 3

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:27 , Oli Gent

This is a real beat-down. Mbukwa just cannot get a foothold and doesn’t have the power to get Dev off him. The Indian just keeps hurling them in.

Dev vs Mbukwa: Round 2

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:22 , Oli Gent

Dev releases a barrage at the start of the second, gunning for the body and then upstairs. The Indian is really driving forwards now. This is a very one-sided round of boxing. Mbukwa’s punches back have nothing in them at all. This could be over quickly if these shots keep landing as they are.

Dev vs Mbukwa: Round 1

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:18 , Oli Gent

A big challenge for Mbukwa here. Dev looks focused as the first bell goes. Dev establishes the jab early as the Tanzanian looks to duck and weave and get his movement going.

A lovely counter-left from Dev against the Mbukwa right halfway through the round. Another left to the body, but Mbukwa releases the overhand right and connects.

Some good combinations in the latter stages from the Indian, who is beginning to assert his authority.

Nishant Dev vs Ally Mbukwa

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:14 , Oli Gent

Here comes Nishant Dev, the 24-year-old Indian prospect. 4-0 so far in his career. Plenty are excited about him.

Nishant Dev vs Ally Mbukwa

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:11 , Oli Gent

Here comes the first bout of the main card. Safe to say that the arena isn’t exactly bouncing...

Here we go!

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:02 , Oli Gent

The main card is about to get underway.

Joshua's Fury dig

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:50 , Oli Gent

Joshua had another pop at his potential 2026 opponent Tyson Fury following his victory last night.

Find out what he had to say here!

The money fight

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:40 , Oli Gent

How much will Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua have been paid for their fight last night?

Find out here!

Azeez's recent form

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:30 , Oli Gent

Azeez produced a woeful draw against Hrvoje Sep at Selhurst Park in June 2024, which was sandwiched by defeats by Joshua Buatsi - when he lost the British and Commonwealth titles - and Lewis Edmondson, where he could not win back those aforementioned belts as he suffered a majority decision loss at the Copper Box Arena.

He did bounce back with low-key wins over Bahadur Karami and Sulaimon Adeosun, the latter bout coming in Lagos in October this year.

Richards' road to Ghana

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:20 , Oli Gent

How did Craig Richards get here?

The ‘Spider’ famously took now undisputed champion Dmitry Bivol the full 12 rounds in Manchester in 2021 and lost to Joshua Buatsi a year later.

He was also defeated on points by Willy Hutchinson in a cracking contest to open Queensberry’s 5-0 whitewash of Matchroom during the inaugural 5v5 event in Riyadh last summer as he was denied the vacant WBC Silver light-heavyweight belt.

However, he returned successfully in March by stopping Padraig McCrory on the undercard of the first Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan fight in Belfast with a brutal eighth-round body shot.

Paul drove himself to hospital with broken jaw

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:10 , Oli Gent

Jake Paul drove himself to hospital in Miami after his knockout defeat by Anthony Joshua last night.

Read the full story here!

About last night...

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:00 , Oli Gent

There was another boxing show happening last night, not sure if you’re aware.

Anthony Joshua returned to the ring after 15 months away to take on none other than Jake Paul.

But how did he fare?

Read the full report here!

Richards vs Azeez odds

Saturday 20 December 2025 17:53 , Oli Gent

Richards to win: 4/11

Azeez to win: 11/5

Draw: 16/1

Fight time and ring walks

Saturday 20 December 2025 17:40 , Oli Gent

The main card is due to begin at approximately 7pm GMT, which is the same time locally. Richards vs Azeez is expected to start at around 10pm.

The early prelim fights are from 5pm. As ever, all timings are subject to change.

Standard Sport prediction

Saturday 20 December 2025 17:30 , Oli Gent

The stakes feel very high indeed for Saturday night’s main event in Ghana as Matchroom head to Africa for the first time for a show being co-promoted by Anthony Joshua’s 258 Management, the night after he faces Jake Paul in Miami.

Though there are no belts on the line, it is surely a must-win contest for both men at this stage in their respective careers which should add a real edge to proceedings.

Indeed, Azeez has even claimed publicly this week that the loser will have to seriously contemplate retirement, though it’s worth noting that Richards has dismissed those suggestions out of hand.

Now back with trainer Tony Sims in his corner, we’re tipping Richards to get the job done on the cards.

Richards to win on points.

Full card and schedule

Saturday 20 December 2025 17:20 , Oli Gent

Craig Richards vs Dan Azeez

Theo Allotey vs Jayr Raquinel

Ibrahima Diallo vs Sampson Segbedzi

John Laryea vs Holy Dorgbetor

Ahmed Abdula vs Obaro Eradajaye

Sedem Ama vs Chiamaka Nwaturuocha

Seth Gyimah vs Jonathan Tetteh

Nishant Dev vs Ally Mbukwa

Leo Atang vs Babu Yusuf

Jerry Lartey vs Jesse Brandon

How to watch

Saturday 20 December 2025 17:10 , Oli Gent

TV channel and live stream: Saturday night’s event is being shown live on DAZN and will be available to watch for subscribers through their website and app.

A subscription to DAZN in the UK currently starts from £14.99 a month.

Hello and welcome!

Saturday 20 December 2025 17:01 , Oli Gent

... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Craig Richards vs Dan Azeez.

Two veterans of the British boxing game clashing in Accra, Ghana this evening.

This should be a cracker. Stay tuned for all the updates, with the main card kicking off around 7pm GMT.