‘Turning pro a definite option’ – Olympian Richardson

Team GB boxer Lewis Richardson says turning professional is “a definite option” after capturing bronze at Paris 2024.

Richardson, 27, settled for third place after a close semi-final points defeat to Mexico’s Marco Verde.

Despite the disappointment, Richardson was the only fighter to win a medal for his country at the Games.

“I’ve got no regrets. I’m extremely proud to have won a bronze medal, that was not a given,” he told the BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing podcast.

Richardson plans to take a short holiday before making a decision on his future, with the more lucrative option of professional boxing an option.

“My boxing career is not over, that’s one thing for certain,” he added.

“It’s a case [of] whether we want to try and transitioning into the pro ranks which is a definite option or if we want to stay on the [Team GB] programme.”

Richardson saved GB Boxing’s blushes after his five team-mates failed to make it to the podium, but the Colchester fighter has faced many setbacks on his way to Olympic success.

He missed out on qualification for Tokyo 2020 and his hopes of reaching Paris were dented when his natural weight class – the middleweight division – was omitted from Paris.

But despite not having weighed 71kg since being a teenager, Richardson dropped down to light-middleweight and even self-funded a tournament in Portugal to gain experience in the division.

“It was a challenge but it was something I wouldn’t change for the world,” Richardson said.

“If that’s the sacrifice I’ve had to make for the Olympic Games and to become an Olympic medallist then so be it.”

Richardson is now eyeing up a new tattoo and is waiting for his picture to be placed up on the GB Boxing headquarters in Sheffield alongside the likes of Anthony Joshua, Amir Khan and Nicola Adams and other Team GB boxing medallists.

“The Olympic ring tattoo is a statement, a respect and honour to have represented your country on the greatest event in the world,” he added.

“To get my picture on the wall at GB Boxing – it goes quite underappreciated how important that is and how valued it is for us.”