Gemma Richardson: The Next Step
It’s another fight week for Gemma Richardson. It’s her first ten-rounder. Her first title opportunity. Another little step on a road which could lead to world titles.
Richardson (5-0) fights the experienced Canadian Carolyn Redmond (9-2) this weekend at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle. The vacant WBO International super-lightweight title will be on the line. A sixth professional victory on Saturday night should bring the 25-year-old a world ranking. Redmond currently sits at number ten in the WBO 140-pound rankings. Richardson knows that will be hers if she inflicts the third defeat on the Redmond resume. It’s a tough test so early in her career. But a sensible one.
We last saw Richardson in August. It was another step-up in opposition. Kirstie Bavington was in the opposite corner in Birmingham. A former two-time European champion. Bavington brought experience, credentials, and much confidence. But Richardson won every round on her second appearance on an MVP card, taking a comprehensive 60-54 points decision. Six good learning rounds that will serve her extremely well going forward. Another little development in her fighting apprenticeship.
Prospects, especially on the female side of the sport, can be pushed too hard too soon. But the matchmaking with Richardson does seem to be one of precision. Careful, meticulous and with a desire to move her forward at the right pace. Bavington was the right fight at the right time. The fight on Saturday night against the 35-year-old Canadian carries elements of risk, but Richardson isn’t being thrown in too deep. It’s a fight that she is seemingly ready for. And relishing.
“This girl I am fighting next is a proper boxer,” Richardson told me earlier this month. “Next year, going forward, I think I am going to be in those real fights. That’s what really excites me.”
The real fights are definitely on the horizon. The super-lightweight division is now wide open after the recent retirement of Katie Taylor. New champions will soon be crowned. A new brigade of contenders will then get their opportunities at some point in 2027. Richardson could be part of that world title picture. A win on Saturday night would move that scenario a lot closer.
