Team GBLewis Richardson claims a bronze medal at Paris 2024 Olympics
August 7, 2024 | by Chris Boyd
Team GB and GB Boxing’s Lewis Richardson will leave the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a bronze medal, after bowing out at the semi-final stage of the Men’s Under 71kg competition.
The Colchester-born boxer fell to a narrow 3-2 split decision defeat against Mexico’s Marco Verde Alvarez at the iconic Stade Roland-Garros.
There was little between the two southpaws in the opening round, with Alvarez taking it on the scorecards 3-2.
Lewis, boxing so confidently in Paris, produced a superb counterattacking display to win the second round 4-1 and hold a lead going into the final round.
The third round was hotly contested between the pair, with Alvarez having to push for the win yet, somewhat surprisingly, all five judges ruled unanimously in favour of the Mexican to bring Lewis’ Olympics adventure to an end.
The Under 71kg boxer had previously beaten Vakhid Abbasov (Serbia) in the round of 16, followed by Zeyad Eashash (Jordan) in the quarterfinals – producing assured performances in both bouts.
Richardson’s Olympic medal is the 18th to be claimed by an English boxer since Sydney 2000 and ensures GB Boxing leave another Games with medal success.
After claiming bronze, Lewis told GB Boxing: “I’m disappointed to miss out on the chance to box for gold in the final. I’m a born winner so it hurts right now.
“That said, I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved here, and I’ve made history for my hometown of Colchester, and I’ll look back on this time in my life with real happiness.
“Every round was competitive and close, which you’d expect at this level. Unfortunately, on this occasion, it just didn’t go my way.
“It’s been an amazing experience. I’m so grateful for everybody that has helped me along the way, it’s been an incredible journey.
“I’ve been boxing for around 12 years and the amount of support I’ve had has been so influential on me achieving what I have tonight and at these Olympic games.
Jerome Pels, CEO of England Boxing commended the former Centurions ABC boxers following his semi-final bout: “Congratulations to Lewis Richardson on his incredible achievement in Paris!
“Winning an Olympic bronze medal is the culmination of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Lewis, you are not just a champion in the ring but an inspiration to every aspiring boxer in England. Your victory shows us all that passion, perseverance and greatness are within reach.
“It was a rollercoaster to get to Paris and from there on you showed immense professionalism and skill. We are immensely proud of you!”
England Boxing’s Head of Performance Chris Connelly, who spent several years working alongside Lewis at GB Boxing, celebrated Lewis’ perseverance and journey: “I am absolutely thrilled for Lewis Richardson on achieving his dream of winning an Olympic medal.
“Having worked with Lewis for the best part of five years at GB Boxing, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication and perseverance he has shown. His journey has been filled with challenges and setbacks, but Lewis has always embodied the England boxing principles of being adaptable, independent, robust, and resilient (AIRR).
“These qualities really set him apart as an inspiration to every England boxer. He crafted his own path and relentlessly pursued the goals he set for himself, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. While I believe he could have advanced to the finals in that close semifinal, his achievement has already changed his life and serves as a testament to his character and commitment.
“Lewis’s story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when you stay true to your dreams and put in the work to realise them.”
Image Credit: Sam Mellish/Team GB
