Craig Richards insists it will be no upset if he unseats British light-heavyweight champion Shakan Pitters when they collide at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch on Friday night.
There have been a spate of surprises in recent weeks in the UK, with Joe Joyce downing the favoured Daniel Dubois and Lyndon Arthur shocking former world title challenger Anthony Yarde.
But Crystal Palace’s Richards, a 13/5 outsider with bookies BetFred, maintains he has boxed at a higher level than the towering, 6ft 6ins Pitters (14-0, 4 KOs) and should be expected to emerge victorious by those in the know.
“I don’t believe it will be an upset when I beat Pitters. I’m a better fighter than him, I’ve boxed at a higher level and I’m just going out to get the job done,” said Richards (15-1-1, 8 KOs). “I’ve had the right preparation and I’m ready to get the job done. I just to go out and show my abilities and what I’m capable of.
“I’ve found sparring partner similar to his stature and attributes so I’ve been quite fortunate. I’ve had loads of differing sparring partners like Lawrence Okolie and Mark Williams, cruiserweights to tall light-heavyweights.
“First thing I’m thinking about is December 18, before I think of anything else, so that’s my main focus. I’ve been thriving on this and looking forward to it for a long time. It’s the fight I’ve been waiting for to really get the performance out of myself and it will be a win by KO or just the win.”
Pitters-Richards will be broadcast live by Channel 5 in the UK.