COLCHESTER’S Lewis Richardson says bagging a place in the Great Britain boxing squad represents ‘a massive opportunity’ for him to make a name for himself in the sport.

The talented 20-year-old has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Anthony Joshua, James DeGale and Nicola Adams after being called into the squad, following an impressive showing at last month’s three-day assessment trials.

Richardson, who claimed a fourth National Association Boys and Girls Clubs (NABGC) title last month, will now train at GB Boxing’s headquarters at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield and will receive funding, as he bids to reach the top of his sport.

And with qualifying for a potential place at the 2020 Olympic Games on the horizon, the Essex University Boxing Club member certainly has a huge future ahead of him.

Richardson told the Daily Gazette: “It’s a massive opportunity for me.

"It’s a dream come true and so many people have helped me along the way to get to where I am today.

“It’s a huge step forward for me and will raise my profile and put me in a great position for the future.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’ve had to work hard to make it a reality.

“I knew I had to keep believing and it’s great to have it confirmed.

“I’m really proud and I think I’ve made history in becoming the first Colchester boxer to make to be selected for the GB squad.

“There’s a big coaching team there and three or four boxers for each weight, so I’m sure I’ll come on leaps and bounds.

“I’ll know them already, having grown up at the same championships boxing everyone at my weight.

“I’ve just got to focus on becoming a better athlete and a better boxer, sparring regularly with international fighters.

“I hope to develop into an all-round fighter and be prepared for anyone who I am up against and with the Olympic qualifying coming up next summer, it’s a perfect time for me to now kick on and make it a target over the next 18 months or so.”

Richardson will be part of the GB podium potential squad in Sheffield, initially part-time but with a view to becoming full-time in the future.

The Essex University Boxing Club member will be part of an elite band of senior boxers aged between 18 and 37 who benefit from UK Sport Lottery funding and the World Class Performance Programme.

Richardson’s GB selection was confirmed after his first three-day assessment.

His call-up came quicker than usual, with most boxers having to attend more than one assessment before being called up.

Richardson took part in running and circuit exercises at the trial along with pad and sparring sessions, which was the main area the selectors were looking at.

“The sparring was tough but I just tried to stay focused,” added Richardson, who has had 34 senior fights in less than two years.

“I had a very busy end to the year but the trials were my final step and I gave everything I had.

“The Great Britain coaches had seen me before and were in the opposite corner when I’d boxed against them for England in the past in the GB Championships.

“Although I didn’t get the decision on that occasion, I performed well and they will have seen that and what I can offer.”

Richardson will attend his first session as a fully-fledged GB boxer at the end of the month.

He now compete no longer compete at club level but will continue to spend some of his time training in Colchester, as he embarks on a three-month confirmation period with the GB squad.