Craig Richards has managed to receive a shot to contend for the British Light-heavyweight belt after winning over his old rival Andre Sterling in a thrilling and gruesome match.
The two of the South London fighters before the clash at the York hall spewed some verbal blows at each other to build up the hype for this fight. However, it was Richards who also managed to dish out the grueling physical blows in the back and forth match as he dropped his opponent in the middle of the fight to win by unanimous decision by the judges.
The reigning British champion Joshua Buatsi was also one of the keen spectators as he sat ringside who might be the next challenger for Richards who improves his record to 15-1.
Sterling was the one with a better start of the fight as he managed to close in on his foe with both fighters having enough support from the crowd.
The third round saw Sterling delivering tow powerful right hooks on to Richards but all it ever did was to wake up the Spider. Richards finished the round by landing his own long right flush.
The momentum of the fight got intense in the coming few rounds as both men trade equal shots. Richards tried to control things from a distance of his jab while marching forward.
The 6th round then saw the tide of the fight turning in favor of Richards as he dropped Sterling to floor with his heavy rights. Sterling, who was fatigued by this point, managed to get back on his feet but was welcomed with more gruesome beating and was only saved by the sound of the bell.
He came back with revenge as he landed many crunching body shots followed by more in the period as he death considerable damage to the inside of Richards.
Spider, with support of the audience, started to reel back into the fight as he controlled the fight from the defense of his jab.
Sterling, who had never fought more than 10 rounds, had to endure the nightmare of fighting in the 11th round and started to feel the effects of it. He was finally on the ropes after taking some heavy hits.
Richards was back in the fight for the final round as he dominated it for full three minutes to win the fight by the scores of 117-111, 116-111 and 115-112.
Related Content
