Olympic medallist Richardson turns professional

Lewis Richardson, a bronze medalist at the Olympics, has transitioned into the professional world, wrapping up months of future planning.

The 27-year-old won two fights before falling to Marco Verde of Mexico in the light-middleweight semi-finals with a 3-2 split decision, becoming Britain’s only boxing medalist there last year.

Richardson, a Colchester native, has left GB Boxing to join Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions stable.

His first professional fight has not yet been confirmed in terms of the venue and date.

“I want to go all the way and win a world title,” I say. In a Queensberry video, Richardson recalled watching the likes of Joe Calzaghe, Richie Woodhall, and, of course, Tyson Fury.

“Frank has years and years of experience. Knowing that you are joining a very illustrious group of fighters makes you feel goosebumps.

Richardson started boxing to keep fit for the game, but in 2012 he won the title of the nation as a schoolboy.

Although his amateur career was halted by back stress fractures, he won a medal and bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Armenia, respectively.

He then expanded that success in Paris, but he stated in November that he wanted more time to “navigate my path” between competing in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

GB Boxing stated in a post on X: “We appreciate your commitment to the WCP since joining us back in January 2018.”