The last time British light heavyweight Lerrone Richards prepared to challenge WBA interim champion Albert Ramirez in Montreal, his preparation was all in vain. The bout, set for February 5, ultimately fell apart when Ramirez, the Venezuelan, was hospitalised with suspected appendicitis during fight week.
Richards, just an hour from weighing in, couldn’t quite believe it. Suddenly his big opportunity – the fight of his life – had become something he would remember for all the wrong reasons. He only hoped that he would soon get another chance and be able to go through the process again – the preparation, the training, the travelling.
Believing he would, Richards opted to stick around in Montreal, despite having no fight. He soaked up the atmosphere of the event he was meant to headline and he acclimatised to his surroundings. He said to those who asked him how he was feeling, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”
Next week, on June 4, he will be proved correct. Next week Richards and Ramirez will attempt to do what they failed to do last time, and at the same venue: Montreal Casino.
Though it has only been a few months since their first attempt, Richards claims he is today a better fighter than he was back in February. He also knows a great deal more about the champion he aims to dethrone.
“I’m a boxing purist and a boxing fan and watch a lot of boxing across all weight classes,” said Richards. “Did I know about Ramirez? Well, kind of. But he’s not really the biggest name in the division, let’s be honest. I was aware of him because he is in my weight class and that’s it. But once I found out I was fighting him, I had a look at him.
“He’s an all-round type of fighter. Obviously, you can see by his knockout ratio that he carries a lot of power. He has a good amateur pedigree as well, like myself. He’s a good thinking fighter and I rate him. You can see why he has the belt and the rankings he has. I can’t wait to take it from him. As good as he is, Ramirez has not boxed anyone at my level.”
Although Ramirez is unbeaten in 22 fights, with 19 wins inside the distance, Richards is not wrong to say he is untested. He has fought in Mexico, Russia, Argentina, France, Canada, Venezuela, and even Libya, but not once has Ramirez faced a familiar name or someone favoured to beat him. That doesn’t mean his reputation is unwarranted, only that his record, as impressive as it is, might not tell the…
2026-05-26 21:00:00
Take two: Lerrone Richards returns to Montreal hoping for a fight this time
