Gemma Richardson: “I want to show people why I did so well as an amateur. I want to make my name as a pro now.”

Gemma Richardson: “I want to show people why I did so well as an amateur. I want to make my name as a pro now.”

In June, Gemma Richardson made it four wins out of four in the professional ranks when she outpointed Jana Duchonova in Bolton over six rounds. Richardson won every round against the Slovakian and again showed why she is being touted by many as a future star.

“There were a lot of controversial opinions on it all over social media,” Richardson told FightPost over Zoom. “I was told I was going to get knocked out. So the whole venue was there to watch my fight. Everybody flooded in, probably to watch me get knocked out. So it was good to fight with that kind of pressure. But there was never any worry from me. I was confident going in there. I was confident I could get the job done. I felt good in there. I think it was my best performance to date. I was happy.”

The 24-year-old has got an incredibly quick turnaround and a major step up in competition for her next fight. On August 29th, Richardson will take on the former two-time European welterweight champion Kirstie Bavington in a super-lightweight contest in Birmingham when Jake Paul brings his Most Valuable Promotions to UK soil for the second time.

“There’s a bit more pressure next time,” Richardson says of her next fight. “I am excited. I can’t wait to get back in there. MVP shows are class. I experienced it last time, so it’s good to be back, and on another good card.”

“It’s obviously a big step up,” Richardson added. “On paper, I am going in as the underdog. A lot of people think that as well. But I don’t think I am. My team doesn’t think I am. I think I am capable of winning this fight. This is the stepping stone I need to get where I want to be one day. It’s just another fight in my head that I am going to be ready for.”

Richardson and Bavington is one of those intriguing fights that ticks many boxes. The experienced fighter who still carries plenty of ambition taking on a young undefeated prospect. The only criticism is that it is only scheduled for six rounds. In truth, it deserves a title. At the very least, it should be contested over a longer distance.

“We got told it was an eight-rounder,” Richardson says. “But then yesterday, I found out it had been moved to six rounds. I don’t really know what’s gone off there. It’s not on our side. That’s out of my hands. It is what it is, that’s boxing. But that is one thing I am gutted about because I think I am ready to step up in rounds, especially for this fight, because I think it should be over eight rounds.”

Bavington (10-5-2) brings plenty of experience to the fight in August. The 33-year-old has tasted European glory twice and is now riding a three-fight win streak. “I don’t know too much about her,” Richardson admitted. “I have seen bits. She has boxed some good girls. I know she is aggressive, and she has got a good engine. I sparred with her once about a year ago. I know she is fit and will come for a fight. So it will be an interesting clash of styles.”

Richardson has already experienced fighting on an MVP card when she outpointed Johana Rajmont at the Olympia in London in April. The former amateur star is hoping MVP will now sign her.

“Last time, I think they just had a bit of a look at me. With this being a big step up, she is a two-time European champion, and if I perform well, hopefully, they will look to sign me this time. I have taken a big step up that not many fighters would have taken at this stage in their careers. I am showing that I want it, and I am showing that I will fight anyone.”

Gemma Richardson is now moving into the next stage of her career. A win over Kirstie Bavington would take her to the brink of big things and the titles that she craves. Even more meaningful fights await her. The ambitious 24-year-old knows what she wants after her fight with Bavington. “I want some sort of title,” Richardson says. “I want another fight before the end of the year with a title on the line. The plan was always to get a title this year. I don’t want to fight journeywomen anymore. I want to fight people at the level I believe I am at. I want to show people why I did so well as an amateur. I want to make my name as a pro now.”