Gemma Richardson: A New Beginning

Gemma Richardson: A New Beginning

“2024 has been the worst year of my life. My dream got stolen. They stole my dream.” The words of the former amateur star Gemma Richardson when I spoke to her just before Christmas.

The meaning of those words has been explained many times on this platform over the last twelve months. Richardson was right in the middle of the Olympic selection controversy that engulfed the domestic amateur scene last year. The details surrounding the Amy Broadhurst saga don’t need to be repeated in full, but in simple terms, Richardson and her GB teammate Shona Whitwell deserved better.

Both Richardson and Whitwell have now left the amateur ranks behind. In truth, the way certain things were handled last year, they had little choice in doing so. Whitwell will very soon be announcing her professional debut, but Richardson has already made her move.

On the 8th March at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton, on a Steve Wood-promoted show, Gemma Richardson will make her maiden professional ring walk on a card headlined by the enticing rematch between James Moorcroft and Dom Hunt.

“I can’t wait to get in there. Have a fresh start and enjoy it, and put on a show.” Richardson says of that professional debut.

It is, in many ways, a new beginning for Richardson. A beyond talented amateur who only tasted defeat seven times in over sixty amateur bouts. Richardson won Five National titles. A European and World Champion at Youth level. A silver medal at 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Her record speaks for itself.

Under the guidance of Wood and his VIP Promotions, Richardson can expect regular ring activity. Many aspiring prospects are not so fortunate. Richardson seems to have chosen extremely well in signing with Wood.

“In the first year, I want to get in as many fights as I possibly can,” Richardson told me last year.
“I want to be active, and I want to be pushed. It’s a completely different sport than the amateurs. I have got a lot of experience as an amateur, and I want to do that again. I want as many fights as I can get in that first year and get the experience and push on as fast as I can.”

The professional journey begins on March 8th in Bolton. Richardson is an exciting new addition to the world of professional boxing. The amateur resume tells us that we should expect something very special from a fighter who will campaign in and around the super-featherweight division. After a difficult period for women’s boxing, 2025 needs to be a relaunch of the female side of the sport. Gemma Richardson could very well play a big part in that so-called relaunch. A fighter who you suspect will be in the hunt for major titles sooner rather than later.