Craig Richards ready to prove himself as one of the top talents in super-middleweight division
Wednesday 15 March 2017 13:46, UK
Craig Richards admits his status as one of Britain’s hottest super-middleweights is at stake when he faces Alan Higgins.
The 26-year-old south Londoner will challenge Higgins for the Southern Area title on Friday's NXTGEN Show at York Hall in Bethnal Green, live on Sky Sports, with both fighters putting their undefeated records on the line.
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After seven straight wins, 'Spider' Richards is targeting his first professional title, but insists he is already used to coping with pressure after a demanding start to his career.
"There's more at stake, I'm fighting an undefeated fighter," Richards told Sky Sports. "I knew his record, and I knew I was fighting for the Southern Area title.
I've not had a typical start to my career - I've had a few fighters that have come to win, and make a statement.
"I've been in fights when the opponent would have loved to cause an upset. Dalton Miller was really up for it at The O2 and was expected to produce.
"I've not had a typical start to my career - I've had a few fighters that have come to win, and make a statement."
The ambitious Richards is eager to follow in the footsteps of his friend Ohara Davies, who boosted his reputation with a stoppage win over Derry Mathews on the recent David Haye-Tony Bellew bill at The 02.
"It's an inspiration," said Richards. "It shows that if you keep working hard and performing, the progress will keep happening. I believe I can follow him, and do what he's doing.
"I was opening the shows and now I'm nearer the top of the bill. It shows that anything is possible. I'm not sure how many fights away from the British title I am, but not many.
"You don't want to start looking too far, too quick. You need to continue executing what's in front of you, and before you know it, you'll just end up there."
You can watch the NXTGEN stars on a live stream at skysports.com/boxing and Facebook, from 7.00pm, Friday and then watch Reece Bellotti and Craig Richards, live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports Mix, from 10.00pm.
