Shakan Pitters will make a first defence of his British Light-Heavyweight title against Craig Richards on November 14 live on Channel 5.
The British Boxing Board of Control ordered a number of fights on Friday, including British Welterweight champion Chris Jenkins to face Conor Benn and British Cruiserweight titlist Richard Riakporhe to meet mandatory challenger Deion Jumah.
Pitters (14-0, 4 KOs) was also ordered to face rival Richards (15-1-1, 8 KOs) and the fight has been confirmed for November 14, with a venue to be decided by promoter Mick Hennessy in due course.
Pitters, and former Southern Area titlist Richards were set to clash for the vacant title in March, although a viral infection ruled ‘Spider’ out with Chad Sugden, who drew with Richards last December replacing him.
Birmingham man Pitters, 31, finally met Sugden in a rescheduled showdown on August 22, after the bout was postponed in March following the COVID-19 pandemic, with former English champion ‘Big Shak’ winning by unanimous decision behind closed doors in Redditch.
Crystal Palace native, Richards, 30, has not fought since his stalemate with Sugden and will look to claim the Lonsdale belt at the second time of asking having fallen short against Frank Buglioni in Cardiff in 2017, the sole blemish on his record.
“I’m delighted to announce that Pitters versus Richards is finally on and will be free to watch live on Channel 5,” Hennessy said.
“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 him first if he 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 v Richards could match them.”
