Craig Richards to challenge for WBA Intercontinental light-heavy belt on Joshua-Franklin show

Craig Richards will face Ricards Bolotniks for the WBA Intercontinental light-heavyweight title at The O2 in Greenwich on Saturday April 1.

The Crystal Palace fighter will be one of the chief support bouts for Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight clash with Jermaine Franklin.

Richards (17-3-1, 10KOs) was originally scheduled to face Bolotnik’s (19-6-1, 8KOs) on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s close points win over Franklin at the OVO Arena in Wembley last November but he was forced to withdraw after falling ill during fight week.

Richards fought at The 02 in May , losing on points  to South London rival Joshua Buatsi.

Bolotniks, who holds wins over Hosea Burton and Steven Ward, was last in action in April 2022 – decisioning Hrvoje Sep over eight rounds in Barcelona, Spain.

“I’m expecting a great fight with Bolotniks,” said Richards. “He is a good fighter and a lot of people know that which will allow me to showcase how good of a fighter I am.

“I’m excited to be on this card, it’s ironic it’s the return of Joshua because I feel like it’s my return too. A win against Bolotniks puts me heavily in the mix with the big boys and looking to push on to big things.”

Tickets for Joshua-Franklin are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £400 and £800 (VIP).

The show will be screened live on DAZN.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD