Gemma Richardson’s crack at a world title might just be around the corner.
The undefeated 25-year-old is to face Canada’s Carolyn Redmond for the vacant WBO International light-welterweight title in Newcastle on Saturday, October 31.
Victory at the Vertu Motors Arena would earn her a world rating in the World Boxing Organisation’s rankings, meaning she could be challenging for the big one as early as next year.
It is an exciting development for the Scunthorpe and Hartlepool boxer who goes into the event off the back of a convincing points win over former double European champion Kirstie Bavington in Birmingham in August.
That was her fifth win from five as a professional, having had a wealth of experience in her amateur career, including a Commonwealth Games silver medal.
Her rival is somewhat of an unknown quantity which gives this assignment on Boss Boxing’s ‘Fright Night’ Halloween event uncertainty and danger for the Tenacity star coached by John Stubbs at the world-famous Headland gym in Hartlepool.
Redmond has won nine of her 12 pro bouts, including three inside the distance, while she has three defeats (all by points) on her record.
“I do know she’s very fit, she’s technically good and that she’ll stand and fight,” said Richardson.
“It should be a good test and an exciting little fight.
“A win will give me a world ranking and put me in a better position for next year to be able to fight for world titles.
“That’s the dream, so hopefully this will be a nice little stepping stone.
“I just want to win and win good, but I’m expecting a hard fight.”
While this is a huge opportunity for Richardson, the former GB international is equally aware victory would provide an opening for her 35-year-old rival, from Ontario.
That’s why the VIP Boxing-managed talent will be treating this as serious as if there was a real world title on the line.
“This IS a step up,” stressed Gemma. “Like John will tell you, I take every fight as a step up.
“I take every single fight as though they are coming to beat me.
“You’ve got to look at it like that in this game.
“I think it will be a tasty fight, from what I’ve heard from John. I don’t like looking too much into an opponent, I leave that to my coaches.”
On the face of it, Redmond has been steady rather than startling, though you would say the same about Richardson’s fledgling career.
The Canadian performed with credit in the amateur game and she collected no shortage of medals on the domestic scene.
Richardson’s amateur career was much more extensive and productive, including gold medals at the European Youth and European U22 championships and numerous successes around Europe and the world.
Her progress in the professional ranks is no surprise with five wins out of five under Stubbs, who coached her with England.
Gemma’s shut-out success against Bavington proved that she is at THAT level.
“It was a huge fight for my fifth bout, but it paid off,” said Richardson.
Click here to enjoy VIP Boxing’s full interview with Gemma Richardson.
“It was a big step up on paper and there was a lot of talk around it.
“She built it up with a lot of back and forth and videos which got a lot of attention on the fight.
“I was expecting a big jump up but it was probably easier than I’d expected and trained for.
“In my head I trained so hard because I was expecting it to be tough.
“But I shouldn’t complain. I got a good win win and took every round.”
