Colchester’s Richardson targets more history as pro

Lewis Richardson has set his sights on creating more history for Colchester as he prepares to make his professional debut on Saturday in Ipswich.

The 27-year-old was the only Briton to come away from the Paris Olympics with a medal, winning bronze and becoming the first Colchester native to win an Olympic medal.

He will make his professional bow against Dmitri Protkunas on the undercard of Fabio Wardley v Justis Huni.

“The long-term ambition is to become a world champion. I believe I am capable of doing so. My coach Dennis (Mullan) says he was Colchester’s first national champ as an amateur,” he told BBC Essex.

“I think I’m right in saying I’ll be their first world champion.”

Richardson took his time to chose his next steps and settle on a promoter.

While his fellow Olympians such as Delicious Orie have already made their professional debuts, Richardson did not sign with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions until May.

He will fight at middleweight and thinks the paid ranks will “provide me with a great opportunity to express myself but also provide an example for the youngsters”.

Richardson is proud of his roots and is a familiar face at League Two side Colchester United as well as having had the same local sponsor since he was 17.

“I took my time. I know a lot of people were asking why I was taking so long. There is method behind the madness. I wanted a solid team behind me,” Richardson said.

“I’m very proud to come from Colchester and Essex. I come from a traditional council estate environment, but it just shows the power of sport.

“And the power of having good, loving people around you so you can express yourself and be the best you can be.”

Fabio Wardley v Justis Huni – heavyweight