Lerrone Richards believes he will walk away a world title contender if he comes through his latest test against Giovanni de Carolis on Saturday.
The New Malden super-middleweight takes another step up when he takes on the former WBA (regular) champion as he seeks to join those jostling at the top end of one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.
Richards vacated the British and Commonwealth titles last year before linking up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom with European honours up for grabs this weekend in Manchester.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s devastating victory over Billy Joe Saunders, a former sparring partner of Richards, served to underline the sheer quality at the elite tier of the 168lbs division, with the 28-year-old among the clutch of fighters looking to close the gap.
Richards appreciates the challenge ahead and under the guidance of trainer Dave Coldwell, is eager to tick every box along the way.
‘The super-middleweight division is a very sexy division, you’ve got a lot of quality fighters and a lot of talent,’ Richards told Metro.co.uk.
‘For me personally, I’ve always stayed in my own lane and I’ve always been on my own journey. It’s always been a process for me, taking things one step at a time.
‘There is something to learn at every level, hence why I have never skipped a level. That’s why I never wanted to jump in and win an international title, moving towards a world title shot. I wanted the European first.
‘Once I’ve won this European title, in terms of my position in the division, I can officially say that I am a world contender.’
Richards has relocated to Rotherham, sharing the gym with the likes of Jordan Gill and Hopey Price working under the guidance of trainer Coldwell where expectations as well as standards are high.
‘I’ve always been very technical anyway,’ Richards continued.
‘But with Dave, he doesn’t tolerate rubbish. If you get it right, a nine out of 10, Dave is not happy, he wants it 10 out of 10 correctly. It works for me, especially. As it should work for every fighter who wants to reach the highest level.’
He added: ‘It’s all about the skills and that is what I bring to the table. The name of the game is to be hit and not be hit and I do that very well.
I’m a boxer who is able to adjust to my opponent to make it the easiest night I can. If it means boxing on the back foot I do, if it means walking people down I do that as well. But one thing I will always showcase is skill.’
While Richards continues his climb, there could be unfinished business at domestic level with British rival Lennox Clarke.
Richards clinched a decision win over the Clarke to win the British title in November 2019 but the Birmingham fighter responded with a devastating knockout victory over Scottish prodigy Willy Hutchinson in March.
Clarke promptly vowed to ‘iron out’ his old foe for free with the rivalry still simmering.
‘Anything can happen,’ Richards said of a possible rematch with Clarke. ‘Would I fight Lennox Clarke again? Absolutely. Why not? If it makes sense.
‘The fight will happen. But like Lennox Clarke says on social media when there are fighters calling him out, he’s saying he’s looking up, not below. Why can’t Lerrone Richards do the same?’
He added: ‘ I don’t know what the future holds, things can happen. You can get mandatories or big fights suddenly come about.
‘You just don’t know in boxing. My full focus now is 15 May and whatever happens after happens. But nothing happens unless I win on the night.’
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from metro.co.uk
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