Shakan Pitters (14-0, 4 KOs) will make the first defence of his British light-heavyweight championship against Craig Richards (15-1-1, 8 KOs) on Nov. 14 at a venue yet to be confirmed by Hennessy Sports.
The two were due to face off for the then-vacant title back in March, but 30-year-old Londoner Richards was forced to withdraw with a viral infection.
The COVID-19 pandemic then brought live sports to a standstill for several months before 31-year-old Birmingham boxer Pitters decisioned Chad Sugden — who fought Richards to a draw in December — to claim the belt on Aug. 22 behind closed doors at Production Park Studios in Redditch.
The event will be free to view in the U.K. via Channel 5, as was the case with the Pitters-Sugden card, and promoter Mick Hennessy is extremely relieved to finally be able to deliver the initially-hoped showdown.
“I’m delighted to announce that Pitters versus Richards is finally on," said Hennessy.
"This is a great fight that the public really want to see and I believe we could be in for a real treat with these two proud warriors.
"Shakan isn’t taking an easy first defence and he said that he would put the title on the line against [Richards] first if [Pitters] defeated Sugden and he’s done that.
"I know that Craig will be really up for the fight, he was devastated to pull out of the first fight and will now be desperate to get his hands on the British title.
"After the last two shows on Channel 5 with the barnstormers between Dilmaghani and Ziani and Fonseca, I have a feeling Pitters vs. Richards could match them.”
Further details on the show, including undercard fights, comments from both Pitters and Richards and confirmation of a location, are expected soon.