Dmitry Bivol and Craig Richards went face to face for the last time before their bout on Saturday for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight Super Championship, which is owned by the former.

The bout to be held at the Manchester Arena in England marks Bivol’s return to the ring. Bivol, Russian champion who was born in Kyrgyzstan, is one of the most interesting fighters in the category.

The champion talked about his excitement to be back to the ring and how much he missed defending his WBA crown, during the press conference that was moderated by Eddie Hearn.

“I miss fighting. I can’t wait to get back in the ring,” said Bivol, who will be making his first fight since 2019.

For his part, Richards knows he doesn’t have an easy challenge in front of him but his goal is to become world champion and he plans to do what it takes to achieve it this weekend.

“I believe I’m going to become world champion this Saturday,” said Richards, who also added that the title opportunity is the best of his life and that he plans to use every tool he has to walk out with the victory.

This Friday both will have to step on the scales to make the 175-pound limit for the division and once they make the weight, they will be ready to fight for the title. Bivol has a record of 17 wins, no losses, and 11 KOs, while Richards has a record of 16 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 9 KOs.