Craig Richards will face Ricards Bolotniks for the WBA Intercontinental Gentle-Heavyweight Title and EBU European Middleweight Champion Matteo Signani will defend his belt towards Felix Money at The O2 in London on Saturday April 1, reside worldwide on DAZN.
Richards (17-3-1, 10 KOs) was initially scheduled to face Bolotnik’s (19-6-1, 8 KOs) on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s shut factors win over Jermaine Franklin on the OVO Area in Wembley final November however the Crystal Palace man was pressured to withdraw after falling in poor health throughout battle week.
‘Spider’ returns to the scene of his spirited factors loss to South London rival Joshua Buatsi final Could whereas Bolotniks, who holds wins over Hosea Burton and Steven Ward, was final in motion in April 2022 – decisioning Hrvoje Sep over eight rounds in Barcelona, Spain.
Italy’s European Middleweight ruler Signani (32-6-3, 12 KOs) landed the title for the primary time towards Gevorg Khatchikian in Trento again in October 2019 earlier than making profitable defences towards Maxime Beaussire in 2020 and Ruben Diaz in Could 2021. ‘Il Giaguaro’ misplaced the belt to Anderson Prestot on a technical choice in June final 12 months however avenged that loss in November.
Wokingham’s former British and Commonwealth Champion Money (16-0, 10 KOs) is wanting so as to add the EBU crown to his assortment after enduring a irritating 2022 through which he picked up two wins. Money is on a collision course with American rival Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and hopes to face the unbeaten contender later this 12 months after going face-to-face with him in a fiery ringside encounter in Leeds.
“I’m anticipating a terrific battle with Bolotniks,” mentioned Richards. “He is an efficient fighter and lots of people know that which can enable me to showcase how good of a fighter I’m. I’m excited to be on this card, it’s ironic it’s the return of Joshua as a result of I really feel prefer it’s my return too. A win towards Bolotniks places me closely within the combine with the large boys and seeking to push on to massive issues.”
“2022 was a tricky one for me personally however I’m decided to make this my 12 months,” mentioned Money. “In 2023 I’m coming for all of the belts and need the largest fights potential, beginning with the European Title at The O2. The work I’ve been placing within the health club with Tony Sims has been incredible and I’ve by no means felt higher, come April 1 everybody goes to see that I’m the actual deal.”
Tickets for Joshua vs. Franklin are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £400 and £800 (VIP).
Common Sale tickets will be bought by way of Stage Entrance and AXS from noon on Thursday February 9.
