COLCHESTER'S international boxer Lewis Richardson says it was a 'special moment' to win his Olympic first-round qualifier, in London.

The 22-year-old middleweight beat France’s Victor Yoka last night, clinching victory with a unanimous decision to secure his place in the next round at the Boxing Road to Tokyo Qualifying event.

Richardson has potentially two more qualifying fights to win to clinch his place for Tokyo.

He now faces a wait until May at the earliest before he competes in his next qualifier, following the IOC Boxing Task Forces’ decision to suspend the event due to coronavirus.

Nevertheless, the former Thomas Lord Audley student was delighted to book his place in the next round of qualifying for Tokyo 2020.

Richardson said: “It was a special moment.

“It’s been a crazy few weeks and it’s been special.

“Moments like that make it all worth it and it’s what I do it for.

“It’s been a fantastic few weeks and I feel like I’ve dealt with that in a positive way and kept grounded and level headed.

“I had a feeling I won the first, and the standing count helped.

"The fight itself was amazing and it was also a great experience being in London.

“The first two rounds I controlled and that was my plan to win both of those.

“It was physically demanding, he was on the inside quite often, but I know I can hold my own and I knew my fitness would see me through.

“It went to plan – it was a good performance.

“I’m a bit critical of myself sometimes.

“(Yoka) was in great form – he’d just come back from a big international tournament and he’s the brother of the Olympic gold medallist, Tony Yoka.

“Boxing is in his genes and he was obviously a strong opponent but I nullified his attributes and used mine."

Richardson had originally been named as first reserve by GB Boxing for the middleweight representation, at the Olympic qualifiers.

But he got a surprise call-up last month, after Welshman Sammy Lee had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.

The bout took place behind closed doors, because of the coronavirus.

Richardson added: "It was a shame because Stratford is quite close and I had 50 to 60 people coming to watch me on the night.

"But they were able to watch me online and it was great to have their support."

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.