Colchester’s Lewis Richardson is looking to remedy the disappointments of 2021 and continue to prove that he is Europe’s best middleweight at the upcoming European Championships, taking place this week in Armenia.
Richardson missed a spot at the Tokyo Olympics after losing in the qualifying tournament but insists it has helped him improve as a fighter. Now, the 25-year-old believes he is capable of making a statement in his most recent appearance at a major championship.
“I’m gearing up for these major tournament appearances, what with Worlds and fighting in last year’s Olympic qualifiers, but I feel like now I’m really coming into my own,” said Richardson. . “Winning a medal would be a great statement and absolutely a goal to strive for and I believe I have a lot of potential to do so.
“The whole experience of Olympic qualifying for me was quite bittersweet. Seeing how successful they were in Tokyo, but obviously not getting there myself, is heartbreaking. I came on as a late substitute and handled the first round well before meeting the Ukrainian number one, a match that will always be difficult.
“I really thought I applied myself well and performed well, but it wasn’t. Usually you get another chance but since it’s urgent to go to Tokyo there’s only one chance this never happened but I took it and made me a good fighter than. “
Richardson went on to set up GB after his disappointment in France and was chosen to represent GB at the World Championships in Serbia. He fell in the first round to the host boxer, but returned to form in 2022 and now feels like he is ready to prove this is the class he belongs in.
He says he feels like a leader in the team and wants to repay the faith that has been shown in him by the Sheffield coaches.
“Honestly, I was very disappointed at the World Championship. I was underperforming and not getting ahead, as I should have. I lost the decisive match against my home country boxer and that was an important lesson for me. I’ve fought him since then and won gold in another tournament, so I feel like I’ve put those demons to bed.
“Middleweight is always a difficult weight class. Everyone is strong, athletic and agile, but I’m no different and I want to prove I’m one of the best out there.
“Now I feel like one of the leaders in the team. I faced the pressure of the big leagues and when I was selected for the qualifiers I was supposed to be third or fourth in middleweight at GB, but now I’ve solidified that at number one. and I’m ready to help lead the team in a positive direction.
“I felt I had to set an example and be a role model for the other players and women on the team. There’s a lot that has been done in this show, to make it one of the best shows in the world and I want to repay the faith they have in me and I think all the other boxers. The organization will feel the same way. ”
Richardson, like many, was involved in the GB setup and is well aware of the reputation GB has for performing in the major leagues. He will start his tournament on Wednesday afternoon when he kicks the winner of the first round clash between Sweden and Ukraine.
He is also one of two representatives in the 75 kg category for GB along with Sam Hickey of Scotland. There is a chance the pair could meet in the semi-finals, and Richardson added that with so many fighters representing England, Scotland or Wales, the chance for any GB fighter to meet in Armenia is certainly there. chance.
“I have had 96 matches or so now and I feel that I am fully prepared for this tournament. Obviously, like every other boxer, you want a more appropriate draw, but that’s out of your control, so you just have to focus on yourself. The other boxers should be worried about pulling me, not the other way around.
“The GB fighters have targets behind them, even more so with Russia, which has always been one of the top countries, not there. Other countries will look to us and may be a little scared when they have to confront us for what we have to offer.
“There is also the possibility of crosses in the camp and the possibility that one will happen. That will make us better fighters and if you are lucky enough to see our spikes you will know how competitive they are. You learn a lot and when you have an opportunity like this, you have to show what you can do.”
As well as the European Championships, the GB fighters also have a Commonwealth Games to look forward to. While never considered the hardest of Sheffield’s prospects, it is a tournament that could help build their name given the media attention the Olympics bring. again.
Richardson believes this is a great opportunity for any boxer selected to attend the Games to show their potential. Despite their success over the years, many of the tournaments in which the fighters participate are not widely covered by the media or television, so, like many on the team, Richardson hopes 2022 will be one successful year in the ring, as he looks to secure his spot at the 2024 Olympics.
“The Commonwealth may not be the biggest league in boxing but in terms of media they are huge. It’s your chance to get out there and get people to know you. Usually, we box in the sports room in front of about 10 people, so there’s a lot of opportunity that comes with the massive promotion the Games have to offer.
“We are elite level sports athletes but we feel like we are underrated in a way because of where we fight. To have a chance to fight in front of a home crowd and to get a lot of attention is what we all look forward to and hope we get the chance to do so, because as boxers, we really enjoy it. is what we deserve. ”
