COLCHESTER’S Lewis Richardson says he is determined to embrace the big occasion ahead of his Olympic Games qualifier this weekend.

The 23-year-old international boxer has travelled to France for his round of 16 qualifier, at the Road to Tokyo Qualifying event.

Having beaten French boxer Victor Yoka in the round of 32, Richardson is preparing to face his Ukrainian opponent, who is currently World number one.

The talented leading middleweight is part of a dozen-strong Team GB squad of eight males and four females competing in France and is feeling focused, ahead of a vital contest.

Richardson said: “I’m just looking forward to getting in there now.

“It’s been a long time coming but I’ve still had a really positive year, learning loads, winning, progressing and doing really well.

“It’s obviously been a long wait but it’s a productive one, at the same time.

“It’s about embracing the occasion.

“The average sports person’s career is a lot shorter than the average man or woman’s career.

“It can easily pass you by and it’s about making the most of these opportunities and taking them but also enjoying them and taking what you can from it.

“It’s a massive occasion, a massive opportunity and a life-changing experience, to qualify for the Olympic Games and what comes after that.

“But you can’t really look too far ahead – you just have to concentrate on what’s in front of you and just enjoy it.

“Boxing is a massively physically and mentally demanding sport but you just have to enjoy it because if you don’t, you get ten to 15 years down the line and you’ll be like ‘I used to do that’.

“I want to be in the present moment whilst I’m doing it – it’s hard sometimes but it’s a great sport and I’m travelling around the world.

“I work hard to get there but I’m grateful and it’s exciting times.

“I’m in great shape and I feel really good.

“The all-round preparation for it has been really good.

“I just feel really positive and confident to go out there and cause a massive upset, because on paper that’s what it’ll be.

“Within our team, it won’t be a massive upset when I beat him.

“We’ve been doing plenty of video analysis and planning our training and sparring around the style that he brings.”

Richardson has had to wait patiently for his second Olympic qualifier, having progressed from the first round back in March 2020.

The former Thomas Lord Audley School pupil knows how big the prize will be this summer, should he progress through his qualifiers.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Richardson, who had advanced as a reserve for the qualifiers.

“The last five or six months have been very changeable and we’ve just had to adapt and do the best that we can.

“I feel like I’ll be in the best shape, fit and ready.

“These are massive pressure situations and there’s a lot on the line but it’s a privilege to be in that position because not everyone feels that emotion.

“I’m really focused on the next hurdle but I do read the news and to be honest, I’m still very confident that it’s going to go ahead.

“There’s a lot of negative press about and the IOC are 100 per cent committed to making sure that the Games go ahead, albeit a different Games.

“Spectators won’t be there and there won’t be as much freedom around the village and things like that.

"But at the end of the day, the most important thing is the athletes performing and showcasing their skills in front of the world and with the power of the media nowadays, we’re able to do that.”

Richardson is backed by his sponsors Datum Group, Maldon Demolition, Shaun Hanney Scaffolding and Construction and Jak Finch Hair and has thanked them for all of their support.