COLCHESTER boxer Lewis Richardson has booked his place at this summer's Paris Olympics.

The 26-year-old won his light middleweight fight with Puerto Rico’s Angel Gabriel Llanos Perez on a unanimous decision this morning, at the Boxing Road to Paris World qualification event in Bangkok, Thailand.

Richardson will now box for Team GB at the Olympic Games, which start next month.

Richardson told GB Boxing: "It feels unbelievable.

 

"I've worked so hard for this and years of hard work have gone into it, so I'm really proud of myself for making it happen.

"I've had a lot of setbacks and I'm so thankful for everyone who's contributed, to the doubters who have motivated me along the way.

"I've had so many people support me along the way, from back home, from Colchester, from Sheffield, GB - just so many people have helped me get this golden ticket and I'm over the moon.

"It feels a bit unreal at the moment but I'll let it sink in and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone.

"There's been more ups than downs but the downs hit you hard and missing out in the first qualifier and then having four bouts out here - it means so much to me.

"It's been such a good experience.

"My brother was at my first fight back in 2010 and it's my 123rd today.

"I had my first fight in Billericay and now we're in Bangkok!

"It's unbelievable and my brother is my number one fan and I'm extremely grateful for that."

Richardson had booked his place in the final showdown with Perez after clinching another unanimous victory against Mozambie’s Tiago Muxanga.

The former Thomas Lord Audley School pupil is currently competing as a podium squad member on GB Boxing's World Class Performance Programme.

A total of 578 boxers from 133 countries have been competing in Bangkok to earn the final quota places available for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which begin in July.