COLCHESTER boxer Lewis Richardson says being crowned British champion is a milestone moment in his flourishing career.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a winning Great Britain debut after beating Ramtin Musah on a split decision in the 75kg category at the GB Boxing Championships in Sheffield.

The victory at the event, which showcased the strength-in-depth within the GB Boxing squad, helped Richardson end a frustrating year on a high after he had been sidelined for several months with a back injury.

Richardson told the Gazette: “It was brilliant, especially after the last year.

“Just putting the GB vest on with my surname on the back was a very proud moment for me.

“I’d won in the Nationals but never the GB title, so this was a milestone for me.

“It was my first time for GB in this competition and it was first time lucky, so I’m very pleased.

“It was a big pressure fight, with it being the GB Championships, live on TV against a very good opponent and going in there after the 12 months out.

“But the pressure eventually went and it was a solid, all-round performance.

“It was a very good competitive bout.

“I knew that he would be a good competitor.

“He’s had a good successful year and he was confident.”

Richardson, who was one of five out of the seven GB Boxing squad members to win on the night, was glad to make a positive impact on his long-awaited GB debut.

The GB Boxing member has been chomping at the bit to make an impression, having linked up with the squad for the first time back in January.

“It’s such a positive way to end what’s been a bittersweet year for me,” he said.

“Hopefully I can go on to bigger and better things, next year.

“The coaches were happy with my performance.

“They understand that I was out for nearly a year and it was a big fight for me.

“I’ve been training hard and finally, I’ve put it to bed.”

Richardson says he is hoping to return to action again in the opening months of 2019, having tasted his first victory in a GB vest.

He added: “I’ll be ticking over, over Christmas.

“I’m going to a ten-day GB training camp next month and then hope to be competing again in February or March.

“I don’t need a big break – it’s more a case of winding down mentally.”

Richardson is sponsored by Datum Group, Maldon Demolition, J Purdy and Sons, Highwoods Health Clinic and Baccus.