COLCHESTER’S international boxer Lewis Richardson will get a taste of Tokyo next month after being selected to represent Team GB in an Olympic test event.

And the talented 22-year-old is hoping his visit to the Far East will act as suitable inspiration in his quest to secure a coveted place at the 2020 Games.

Richardson, who is part of the GB Boxing programme based in Sheffield, is one of only four Team GB boxers selected for the event.

It will be held in the same village that will stage next year’s Games and the former Thomas Lord Audley student is keen to make an impression.

He said: “The Tokyo Olympics are now less than a year away and this is something that will be inspirational for me.

“The motivation is there for me anyway but this event just adds fuel to the fire and will strengthen my drive even more.

“And on a personal note, I have never been out of Europe, so heading out to Tokyo that will also be a great experience for me.

“It’s amazing and it feels weird that a kid like me from a council estate is going to a Test event in Tokyo.

“It’s all happened very quickly but I feel like I deserve to be there and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

“Everything’s happening very quickly but I feel like I’ve come a long way in a short space of time.

“These opportunities don’t come around very often and I want to grab it with both hands.

“There’ll be some top nations out there and I just want to suck it all up and perform well.

“Hopefully, it’ll be a stepping stone for next year.

“I know that it will add fuel to the fire in terms of me wanting to go back there next year and be in that squad.

“If not, I can look to the future with that experience behind me with things like the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and Paris 2024 on the horizon.”

Richardson has experienced a hectic 2019 so far, as his flourishing reputation continues to grow.

He attended a multi nations camp in Scotland last month training with Scottish, French, Dutch and GB teams and prior to that, had trips to the likes of Russia and Turkey with Team GB.

“I’ve had a very busy start to the year, with three international competitions and two international training camps,” said the former Centurions Boxing Club member.

“Since July, it’s been quite quiet but this news is brilliant.

“There’s only four boxers going out there and for me to be one of them is quite nice to know that I’m in a position to try and be there, next year.

“It’s about taking it one step at a time.

“I’m focusing on self-development and seeing how far I can go.

“I really believe that the harder you work, the luckier you get – you need a bit of luck along the way but it’s no confidence when success comes.”

Richardson is backed by his sponsors Datum Group, Maldon Demolition, Highwoods Health Clinic, Baccus and Jak Finch Hair and has thanked them for all of their support.