Craig Richards Picks Up Knockout Win!
Former light heavyweight title challenger Craig “Spider” Richards (16-2-1, 9ko) is looking to get back on the winning track against unknown Polish fighter Marek Matyja (20-2-2, 9ko).
Matyja is unknown to the boxing public and the reason for this is simple;:he has never fought professionally outside of his country. Moreover, he will be fighting outside of his country for the first time in his career in this fight. A victory over a rated contender like Richards for the vacant WBA International title would be a career achievement.
Spider is looking back into the title picture and to gain a rematch with WBA ‘super’ champion Dmitry Bivol. He suffered a defeat at the hands of the WBA champion on May 1. Despite losing to the champion, he still holds the number four spot. A victory over an unknown like Matyja probably would not see a bump up in the rankings. However, if he loses, it would be catastrophic.
A SLOW BURN
Looking to maintain his standing in the WBA light heavyweight rankings, former world title challenger Craig Richards delivered a rather lackluster performance. The fight was filled cautious boxing. Neither man is known for aggression, and both came out pumping the jab, playing it safe. With both guys considered boxers, you’d figure one guy had to take the lead to produce some type of action. As the fight went on, Richards would ease into a groove, landing big right-hands and slowly chipping away at his opponent!
Round six came and saw Richards finally show his class and stop Matyja. Throwing the kitchen sink, he would repeatedly throw right hands and left hooks. With not much coming back from Marek Matyja, the ref would jump in to stop this fight.
Let’s hope Richards puts forth a much better effort in his next ring outing.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
