Home Columns Richards inks promotional deal with Matchroom after leaving Queensberry

Richards inks promotional deal with Matchroom after leaving Queensberry

Richards has vacated his British and Commonwealth titles

Lerrone Richards has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing after leaving Queensberry Promotions
Lerrone Richards has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing after leaving Queensberry Promotions

Lerrone Richards has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

Richards amicably spit from his previous promotional team Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions and vacated his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight titles, after being ordered to face Willy Hutchinson, who will now meet Lennox Clarke for the belts on the undercard of Anthony Yarde’s clash with Lyndon Arthur on December 5.

The New Malden southpaw (13-0, 3 KOs) turned professional in 2013 following an impressive stint in the amateurs where he won the renowned ABA Golden Gloves Championships at the age of 14, before winning the Golden Belt at the ABA National Novice Championships shortly after.

The 28-year-old widely outpointed Tommy Langford to claim the Commonwealth and WBO International titles in April 2019 before decisioning Lennox Clarke to add the vacant British title to his growing collection in November 2019.

“I’m happy, elated and excited,” said Richards.

“I just can’t wait to get going and I’m really looking forward to the plans ahead. I wanted a fresh start now that I’m top of the domestic tree.

“You look at Matchroom and they’ve got all of the top boys and I want to be part of this, and I want to be involved in big fights in the future.

“I’m very excited to showcase my skills. Like I always say, it’s all about the skills and that’s what everyone is going to see.

“My short-term goal is to get out as soon as possible and showcase my skills. Then I want to conquer Europe.

“After I’ve done that, I want those World titles and those big fights. I feel like now I’m working with Eddie Hearn, I’ll get the right promotion and I’ll be able to build my profile.”

Richards is ranked #15 by the WBO in pursuit of world champion Billy Joe Saunders who faces Martin Murray on December 4 and now joins a Matchroom stable notably containing Saunders, former world title challenger, John Ryder and WBA ‘Super’ and Ring Magazine holder Callum Smith, who will face Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez on December 19.

‘Sniper The Boss’ is managed by S-JAM Boxing and trained by Dave Coldwell and believes he has improved as a fighter since linking up with Coldwell in June, after departing the iBOX Gym.

“There are so many fights out there that I can really get my teeth into. I want to show the world what I’m capable of doing.

“I’m ranked in the top 15 in the world with the WBO. There are other governing bodies as well, that I would like to get highly ranked in to chase these champions.

Lerrone Richards linked up with trainer Dave Coldwell in June
Lerrone Richards linked up with trainer Dave Coldwell in June

“Time is precious, and you’ve got to use your time wisely. The time I’ve had out of the ring, and the time I’ve had with Dave, we’ve used that wisely and you’ll see a far more improved fighter in my next fight.

“There are a lot of coaches around, but there are very few teachers. Dave is a teacher. When I’m in the gym every day I’m learning and improving.

“Fans tuning in on Sky Sports and DAZN can expect to see skills from me. Skills pay the bills. It’s all about the skills, no hype required.

Richards claimed a split decision win over Lennox Clarke last November Photo Credit: Queensberry Promotions
Richards claimed a split decision win over Lennox Clarke last November Photo Credit: Queensberry Promotions

“They’re going to really be impressed with what I bring to the table. The future is really bright and I’m looking forward to it.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lerrone to the team.

“I remember watching him when he turned pro, he was a real talent and now he sits at 13-0 at the top of the domestic tree ready to explode onto the World stage.

“We welcome him to the big league and we will deliver all our promises to help him realise his dreams.”

Sam Jones and Adam Morallee of S-JAM Boxing said: “Lerrone is a world class athlete who is ready to compete at the world level.

“We are grateful to everyone who has helped Lerrone get to where he is now. The opportunity to join Matchroom is a great one for Lerrone – they have most of the 168lb world level fighters and we have no doubt Lerrone will join the other great British Super-Middleweight Champions who have gone on to become World Champions.”

You can follow Lerrone’s journey on Twitter: @Snipertheboss and Instagram: snipertheboss