One of Great Britain’s most decorated boxing talents has turned professional and made the North-East her base.
Gemma Richardson has left Team GB to join the paid ranks with the Tenacity squad in Hartlepool, where she will be trained by her old England coach John Stubbs.
The 23-year-old former Commonwealth Games silver medallist, described as a future “global star” will be managed by Steve Wood of VIP and 11:11 Management.
VIP say Gemma will make her pro debut early next year when she will compete at super-featherweight. She will be looking to build on a stellar junior and amateur record of 60 wins from her 67 bouts.
“I can’t wait to get started,” said the ex-Youth European and Youth World champion.
“I had heard good things about VIP and 11:11 Management from my trainer John Stubbs and I got on with Steve Wood and Suresh Sivagnanam when we met.
“I knew straight away that they will do good things for me and it is going to be a special journey with them.
“John coached me on the England squad and always gave me good advice so it was natural for him to train me as a professional.
“The first 12 months will be about developing, but then pushing on and winning the biggest and best titles.”
Gemma’s haul of honours also includes a European U22 title plus gold and silver in the European Juniors.
But she made the headlines earlier this year, after she was controversially overlooked for the Paris Olympics. Ireland’s Amy Broadhurst made herself available for Team GB during the early summer and Britain decided to send her to the final Olympic qualifier in Thailand where, ironically, she lost on a split decision
Such shabby treatment against Richardson (and Shona Whitwell who was also cast aside) would have made even the strongest character think again about carrying on at Team GB but Gemma said this was the right moment in her career to transfer over.
“I knew it is now time to turn professional as I have the opportunity to work with my trusted trainer, the support of my family at my home as well as the expertise and guidance of the professional team provided by VIP Boxing and 11:11,” said the girl, from Scunthorpe
11:11 Management Director Sivagnanam said: “It’s great to have Gemma join 11:11 Management, as one of the most exciting prospects in female boxing.
“As Gemma’s commercial representative, 11:11 ensures that she has the full support of our talent development programme to successfully launch her professional career.”
VIP managing director Steve Wood, who manages a number of Tenacity’s stable, such as Travis Waters, added: “It is statement signing for VIP and I appreciate the support of 11:11 management getting this over the line.
“Gemma is one of the most exciting female fighters and has demonstrated her abilities with Team GB.
“I am looking forward to developing her career. She had a standout amateur record and was unfortunate not to go to this year’s Olympics where her competition records indicates she would have medalled.
“I believe she could win a world title on her debut, but we have a development plan to build her into a global star and will stick with it.”
Words: Roy Kelly
