Lewis Richardson proud to host Colchester Christmas event

Boxer Lewis Richardson, has spoken to The Gazette after being the chosen to switch on the Lion Walk lights.

He was joined on stage by two pantomime stars, the city’s new Town Crier Rennie Chivers, and more, whilst counting down for the light switch-on and an Aurora Borealis light display.

The light middleweight boxer rose to fame after competing in this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, claiming a bronze medal after a match against Mexican boxer, Marco Alonso Verde Alvarez.

Olympian - Lewis Richardson after the event (Image: Newsquest) Following the count down, Lewis, whilst wearing his bronze medal, took the time to speak and take photographs with many fans in the large crowd.

He said: “It was an amazing reception, it’s not my first time doing an event like this, as I’ve been very busy post the Olympic games.

“I would say aside from doing the fireworks last week, this was the biggest home reception I’ve had.

“It is just such an honour to be invited to take part and be involved in the Christmas lights switch-on, from a city I’m born and bred from.

“So it brings me great pride and honour to be coming back but on a different platform, for many years I would attend and be in the crowd. 

“And now to be one of the guests on stage who is hopefully making a positive impact in the city, it feels special.”

Star - Boxer Lewis Richardson during the Lion Walk Christmas event (Image: Steve Brading) Known to be a thoughtful individual, Lewis previously lent his bronze medal to fellow athlete Cindy Djankeu Ngamba at the Olympic Games so she could take a photo as her medal wasn’t available yet at the time.

For Lewis, the biggest thing he wants to do is inspire the younger generations and “show them that your dreams can come true” if you “push yourself, work hard and stay consistent”.

He said: “I’m no different to the youngsters here tonight. I come from a council estate in Colchester, Monkwick, and I’m proud to be from there.

“On paper, you’re not meant to go onto achieve what I have gone onto achieve.

Bozer - Lewis Richardson at the Olympic Games in Paris (Image: Peter Byrne) “I want to be a role model, I want to be an example, that it is possible to strive and be the best you can be. 

“It’s transferable from boxing to sport, to every aspect of life, whether it’s education, work, or another sport.”

After returning from the Olympic Games, Lewis has continued to have a “really busy period” and enjoy some “amazing opportunities, even visiting Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles.

There have been plenty of “pinch yourself moments” but coming home to Colchester also “feels very special”.

After the event concluded, he teased what is coming up for him in the near future.

Lewis said: “I’ve got sporting events in London coming up, I’ve got balls coming up, it’s still a busy end of the year but an exciting one.

“Heading into 2025, it will be full focus back into competing in the ring.”