Richards and Azeez, both from South London and former sparring partners, contested a competitive fight through the first 11 rounds. Ringside scores varied heading into the final round, with the fight considered close by many observers.
Richards boxed at distance in the early rounds, using his reach and working behind some punches. Azeez pushed forward, forcing exchanges and closing distance. The action remained consistent throughout the early and middle rounds.
The match continued through the middle rounds without a takedown. Both fighters stayed upright as the fight moved into the later stages. The fight entered the final rounds without a knockdown being scored.
The stoppage came early in the 12th round. Richards landed a right hand during an exchange. Azeez answered with a left hook, but Richards countered with a left hook of his own. The punch landed on the jaw, dislocating Azeez’s mouthpiece and sending him to the canvas on his back. The referee waved the game off without issuing a score.
The official time of the stoppage was 0:23 of Lap 12.
With the win, Richards improved his professional record to 20-4-1 with 13 knockouts. The victory earned him the vacant IBF International light heavyweight title.
Azeez (36) suffered the knockout loss after reaching the final round of the scheduled competition. He was not knocked down before the stoppage.
The fight served as the main event of Matchroom Boxing’s first event in Africa. The fight was held at the Legon Sports Stadium in Accra.
No immediate announcements were made about future fights for either fighter after the contest.
