COLCHESTER boxer Lewis Richardson has been praised by Danny Cowley following his medal-winning showing at the Paris Olympics.

The light middleweight boxer claimed bronze for Team GB at the Games and only narrowly missed out on the chance to box for a gold medal, after losing out on a split decision to Mexican boxer Marco Alonso Verde Alvarez, on Tuesday night.

Richardson will be presented with his bronze medal today and Colchester United boss Cowley is hoping to invite the 27-year-old to the U's training ground, following the boxer's achievements in France.

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Cowley, whose wife Kate is a former Great Britain athlete and British heptathlon, 100m hurdles and long jump champion, said: “I just want to congratulate Lewis Richardson, who is obviously a Colchester guy.

“What a brilliant performance from him and we were so excited in our house watching him.

“I thought he was so unlucky, not to get to the gold medal bout but a brilliant achievement.

“He’s so inspirational for everybody associated with Colchester."

 

Richardson lost out to Alvarez in the men's 71kg boxing at Roland Garros.

It was a close bout and one that could have gone either way, with many observers feeling Richardson was unfortunate not to be given the nod to progress to today's final for the gold medal.

Long-standing Halstead and Essex University Boxing Club coach George Cook has also praised Richardson, following his fine performance in Paris.

Cook said: "Lewis Richardson we at Halstead Amateur Boxing Club are so proud of you, just like the city of Colchester and your country.

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"You came though such a demanding schedule but gained valuable experience in each bout and gave a good account of yourself to bring home a brilliant bronze medal.

"You have natural skills and belief we at Halstead congratulate you."