Burnett vs Zhakiyanov: Craig Richards to appear on Belfast bill after bout was axed at last minute

Craig Richards is relieved to be fighting on the Ryan Burnett-Zhanat Zhakiyanov bill, just over a week since his career was stalled by a last-minute cancellation.

The south Londoner was set to appear on last Friday's NXTGEN show in Bethnal Green, but his fight was cancelled only a few hours before he was due to enter the ring after late replacement opponent Tyan Booth was too light for the bout.

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Frustration for Richards, however, swiftly turned to excitement after he received a spot on the undercard for Burnett's unification clash with Zhanat Zhakiyanov in Belfast this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Reflecting on his axed fight, Richards told Sky Sports: "Friday was mayhem and very disappointing.

"After building yourself up for so many weeks for a show, I got pulled last minute after being weighed in.

"I had been buzzing and was looking forward to putting on a good performance and then that happened.

"I was just frustrated, upset, and a bit disappointed. I felt a bit down about it and was waiting in suspense."

The unbeaten 27-year-old, nicknamed 'Spider', will now take on Norbert Szekeres as he targets a 10th victory in his first bout outside England.

"I'm ecstatic because I finally get to fight," said Richards. "I have never boxed in Belfast before.

"It will be exciting and I'll make sure the crowd are entertained. I hope this is the start of new ventures in my pro career. It will be a good experience for me."

Watch Ryan Burnett's unification clash with Zhanat Zhakiyanov, along with Paul Hyland Jr against Stephen Ormond, James Tennyson versus Darren Traynor, with Josh Kelly and Anthony Fowler also on the Belfast bill from 7.30pm this Saturday on Sky Sports Main Event.