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Home Sports Craig Richards, ‘Worldwide’, the winners from Legacy Rise and Match Room’s ancient boxing evening in Accra – Life Pulse Daily

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Craig Richards, ‘Worldwide’, the winners from Legacy Rise and Match Room’s ancient boxing evening in Accra – Life Pulse Daily

Editor-in-chiefDecember 22, 20254 Mins read58

Craig Richards, ‘Worldwide’, the winners from Legacy Rise and Match Room’s ancient boxing evening in Accra – Life Pulse Daily

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Legacy Rise vs. Match Room: A Historic Night of Boxing in Accra Results and Analysis

Introduction

The landscape of African boxing witnessed a seismic shift on Saturday, December 2025, as Legacy Rise Sports partnered with the global powerhouse Match Room to host a historic evening of boxing at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon. This event, dubbed “Legacy Rise vs. Match Room,” brought international attention to Accra, showcasing a blend of local Ghanaian talent and seasoned British professionals. From a grudge match between former sparring partners to the rise of undefeated local heroes, the card was stacked with drama, technical prowess, and knockout power. This comprehensive guide breaks down the winners, the key moments, and the implications of this landmark sporting event.

Key Points

Main Event: Craig Richards defeated Dan Azeez via 12th-round knockout to claim the vacant IBF International Light Heavyweight title.
Co-Feature: Jonathan ‘Worldwide’ Tetteh outpointed the previously undefeated Freezy Macbones in a grudge match.
Other Champions: John Laryea won the IBF Continental Africa featherweight title; Theophilous Kpakpo Allotey secured the WBO Global Super Flyweight title; Ibrahima Diallo claimed the IBF International Super Welterweight title.
Event Context: A collaboration between Legacy Rise Sports and Match Room, designed to elevate Ghana’s boxing profile on the global stage.

Background

To understand the magnitude of this event, one must look at the partnership that made it possible. Legacy Rise Sports, a Ghana-based promotional entity, joined forces with Match Room, the promotional giant behind superstars like Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor. This collaboration aimed to bridge the gap between local African talent and the lucrative international boxing market. The venue, the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, was filled with an electric atmosphere, signaling a hunger for high-level boxing in the region. The event was not just a fight night; it was a statement that Accra is ready to host world-class sporting spectacles.

Analysis: The Main Event and Key Fights

The Main Event: Richards vs. Azeez

The headline bout featured a compelling narrative: Craig Richards (20-4-1, 13 KOs) versus Dan Azeez (22-3-1, 14 KOs). Both fighters hail from South London and were former sparring partners, adding a layer of personal history to the professional stakes. The vacant IBF International Light Heavyweight title was on the line.

For the first half of the fight, the bout was a tactical chess match. Richards and Azeez knew each other’s tendencies well, resulting in a close contest in the early rounds. However, as the fight progressed into the championship rounds, Richards began to find his rhythm. In a stunning display of power, Richards ended the fight in the 12th round with a knockout, securing the title and proving that his experience at the highest level had prepared him for this moment.

The Grudge Match: Jonathan ‘Worldwide’ Tetteh vs. Freezy Macbones

One of the most anticipated fights of the night was the light heavyweight clash between Ghana’s Jonathan Tetteh, known as ‘Worldwide’, and the UK-based Ghanaian, Freezy Macbones. This fight carried significant baggage; the two had previously competed for a spot on Ghana’s national boxing team, the Black Bombers. Earlier in the year, Macbones had declined a fight with Tetteh, leading to palpable tension in the build-up.

Tetteh, looking to make a statement, delivered on his promise to floor Macbones. The fight was intense, with tensions boiling over in the fourth round when Macbones appeared to bite Tetteh. Despite this controversy, Tetteh maintained his composure and technical discipline. He secured a victory by points decision, handing Macbones his first professional loss and improving his own record to 11 wins (10 KOs).

John Laryea: A Star is Born

The most entertaining performance of the night arguably came from featherweight John Laryea. Facing Holy Dorgbetor for the IBF Continental Africa featherweight title, Laryea showcased a perfect blend of brute strength and refined technical skill. He dismantled Dorgbetor in the seventh round, claiming the vacant title. This victory marked Laryea’s 15th win against only one loss and one draw, cementing his status as a two-time featherweight champion and a major prospect in African boxing.

Undercard Highlights

The depth of the card was impressive, featuring several title fights:

Theophilous Kpakpo Allotey: He secured the vacant WBO Global Super Flyweight title with a dominant points decision over Jayr Raquinel. The judges’ scores of 119-109, 118-111, and 116-112 reflected his control over the 12-round bout.
Ibrahima Diallo: The French fighter improved his undefeated record to 13-0-2 by defeating Sampson Segbedzi via unanimous decision to win the IBF International Super Welterweight title.
Nishant Dev: Representing India, the undefeated welterweight stopped Ally Mbukwa in the fourth round of their six-round contest.
Heavyweight Action: Leo Atang made quick work of Babu Yusuf, winning by knockout in under 90 seconds in a four-round bout. Meanwhile, Sedem Ama secured a second-round victory over Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nwaturuocha.

Practical Advice: How to Watch and Follow Future Events

If you missed the action, here is how you can stay updated on similar high-profile boxing events involving Legacy Rise and Match Room:

Streaming Services: Match Room events are frequently broadcast on DAZN or Sky Sports. Check the specific event listings for regional availability.
Social Media: Follow Legacy Rise Sports and Match Room Boxing on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for highlights, press conferences, and future fight announcements.
Fantasy Boxing: For those interested in the predictive side of the sport, tracking fighter records (like Craig Richards’ 20-4-1) and punch stats can help in making informed predictions for future bouts.

FAQ

Who won the main event between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez?

Craig Richards won the main event via a 12th-round knockout against Dan Azeez to claim the vacant IBF International Light Heavyweight title.

What is the record of Jonathan ‘Worldwide’ Tetteh?

Following his victory over Freezy Macbones, Jonathan Tetteh’s professional record stands at 11 wins and 0 losses, with 10 of those wins coming by knockout.

What title did John Laryea win?

John Laryea won the IBF Continental Africa featherweight title by defeating Holy Dorgbetor in the seventh round.

Where was the Legacy Rise vs. Match Room event held?

The event was held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Accra, in December 2025.

Was there a controversy in the Tetteh vs. Macbones fight?

Yes, tensions ran high when Freezy Macbones appeared to bite Jonathan Tetteh during the fourth round, though Tetteh recovered and went on to win the decision.

Conclusion

The Legacy Rise and Match Room event in Accra was more than just a boxing card; it was a celebration of talent spanning from the UK to Ghana and beyond. With Craig Richards delivering a spectacular finish and local heroes like Jonathan Tetteh and John Laryea proving their dominance, the night set a new standard for boxing in West Africa. As these fighters move forward in their careers, this historic night will be remembered as a pivotal moment that brought world-class boxing to the University of Ghana Stadium.