Richards: World Titles, Not Whittaker

Craig Richards is focused on regaining a shot at world honours and does not expect to fight UK light‑heavyweight Ben Whittaker. Richards says a win over Dan Azeez in December would put him on track for a world championship opportunity in 2026.

Although Olympic silver medallist Whittaker is one of the more prominent names in British light‑heavyweight boxing, Richards does not see their careers converging. He explained that his ambition is to challenge world champions rather than chase high‑profile domestic opponents. 'He is a big name but when I look at the trajectory of my career I'm trying to aim towards world titles and the world champions. For me that's where my eyes are more setting, rather than fighting someone just with a name,' Richards told Sky Sports.

Richards stressed he has already done plenty of domestic business and has little interest in repeating that path. Any lucrative matchup would be welcome, he said, but his priority remains securing a world belt. 'I've had so many domestic fights,' he added. 'So I don't aspire to have another. Any big money fight for me great, but my aspiration is to win a world title.'

The south Londoner is plotting toward a 2026 world title push. He previously challenged Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light‑heavyweight title in 2021, losing by unanimous decision, and believes the defeat taught him valuable lessons. Richards admitted he lacked experience at that level and felt he had more to give on the night, lessons that have shaped his training and preparation since. 'I probably had another four rounds in the tank that night and it always kicks you when you take a loss with a lot more to give. So now I won't make that mistake, so I've learned my lessons,' he reflected.

Richards says those experiences have prepared him to challenge for and win a world title. Unafraid of tough opponents, he believes the hard work underway is the necessary road to become world champion and that the time for that achievement is now.