Colchester's Tokyo 2020 Olympic hopeful Lewis Richardson has been handed the toughest of challenges as he sets out on a new boxing season at York Hall tonight.

The 19-year-old middleweight, is one of a dozen boxers at Bethnal Green representing England against opponents who all want a place on the national roster too.

Richardson, who has won 43 of his 51 bouts as an amateur boxer so far, takes on Rizard Lewicki in the 75kgs category.

And the Colchester Centurions Boxing Club member is keen to start the season off on a winning note.

He said: “It’s England against ETS Knights, who will be represented by boxers who’ve yet to make the national squad but who all want a piece of the action.

“What it means is that my first fight of the new season is not only a tough one but a very important one.

“I’m up against a guy called Rizard Lewicki in the 75kgs category and he’s very good.

“Not only that but like me, he’s very hungry to be successful and both of us have points to prove: me that I’m worthy of my place on the England elite squad and him because he wants to be on it too!

“So there will be all to play for on the night and I am as determined as I can be that my season is going to start on a high note, rather than the alternative.”

Richardson admits he is now ‘more driven than ever’ to feature for Team GB at the Tokyo Games in four years’ time, after watching the boxing competition during the recent Olympic Games in Rio.

He said: “I looked carefully at many of the bouts, to weigh up the standards that I need to reach to make the Olympics and I am confident that I have it in me to go all the way.

“I have four years to prove myself worthy of it and if I don’t make it, it will not be for the want of trying.

“Obviously, in my wildest dreams I see myself bringing back an Olympic medal to Colchester but there is nothing wrong with setting yourself high targets.

“I am confident in my ability, I consider myself a match for anyone and I genuinely hope to set out my stall at York Hall.”

Richardson, a member of Colchester’s Centurions Boxing Club, is entering his second season as a member of the England squad.

Such has been his progress he is now on the England Talent Programme with the next step promotion to the Great Britain team, his big goal over the next 12 months.

Richardson’s coach Simon Mullan said: “Lewis is doing fantastic, making great progress, has enormous ability and he has a great opportunity.

“He is a lovely lad, has a first-class attitude, his dedication is unbelievable and he’s a pleasure to work with – put all that in the mix and I really have every confidence in him.

“His opponent is a good fighter and it’s a tough start to the season for Lewis but at this level you have to get used to it – to borrow an old cliché, there are no easy fights.

“But on form, Lewis is more than capable of winning any fight at this level and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in the ring.”