THE Scunthorpe boxer discussed swapping blows with an elite Olympic gold medallist, working on growing self-confidence in her own ability and knowing the difference between reasons and excuses.
Sixty-Seconds: Gemma Richardson
Age: 23
Nationality: British
From: Scunthorpe
Record: 1-0
Trained by John Stubbs, Anth Kelly, Ricko Richardson
Next fight: 28th June in Hull
When and why did you start boxing:
I’ve been in the boxing gym since I was 6. My father coached my brother, so I was in there every day watching my brother James train and the rest of the lads. At the age of 8, I began training properly myself, and then, from when I was 10, began competing as I wanted to be like my brother and have that feeling of winning.
Favourite all-time fighter and why:
I’m not really a big boxing fan, as crazy as it sounds, so I am probably not the best at answering this one. I love to do it, but don’t enjoy watching it as a fan as such.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Probably the best bout I got to watch live was in the amateur scene. It was an international tournament, and it was between Taylor Bevan and an American boxer who was the World Champion. It was 3 rounds of nothing but entertainment and big shots being thrown and landed between them both. A very good one to be there to watch.
Personal career highlight:
A big one that I love was winning the World’s in my first year as a youth, and one of the first females to do so for England. But the big one that stands out is my Commonwealth silver medal. It was a tournament that I didn’t win, but I was told it would be impossible for me to even go there due to a bad elbow injury that I sustained a few months prior. So to be able to get there and have a medal around my neck will be a big one that stays with me forever.
Toughest opponent:
I’d have to say Kellie Harrington, in a close bout, she just made it very hard for me to make the most of my style. She’s very clever and very experienced, which shows with her two Olympic gold medals.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
Best attribute, I’d have to say, would be my engine and work rate, and I think I’m a good listener, or so I’ve been told anyway. Which is very important to adapt and change things as needed.
The worst attribute is probably my lack of self-confidence, but that’s something I’m working on massively and aiming to improve on. I can be a big critic of myself as well, which is a good thing, but can also be a bad thing too.
Training tip:
I’d have to say not to make up excuses. Reasons are fine, but excuses, not so much. I think knowing the difference is a big thing.
Best friends in boxing:
I have met so many over the years! I always say that’s a big part of what I love is meeting people all over the country that you never normally would and forming friendships. I’d have to say my best friend would be Simran Kaur. She unfortunately had to give up boxing due to an injury, but boxing brought us together, and we have been best friends ever since.
What’s the attraction of boxing:
I love the team atmosphere in the gym. Can’t beat a bouncing gym with the team in. It’s a good laugh! And the love to fight, of course.
Where would you be without boxing:
I honestly have no idea with this one, it’s one I think about all the time. I’ve been in the sport so long, it’s all I’ve ever known, and I was lucky to make it my job from a young age and never try anything else. I think I’d be a good barista if I had to do something else.
What has boxing given you:
Boxing has given me everything. I’ve travelled the world, met new people, it’s given me a career, and really disciplined me in life as well. Thanks to boxing and the people involved, it’s shaped me into the person I am in and outside of the ring.
Who inspires you the most and why:
Definitely my brother, he was the reason I started, the person I looked up to and wanted to be just like. He helped me with my training and is always there for advice when I need it. He’s really a big help in the sport.
What one thing would you change to make the sport better:
I’d like to see the woman do 3-minute rounds.
Best advice received:
It was probably to follow my heart and what that was telling me to do in certain situations. You only get one life, and you have to live it to your best! And do what you love to do.
First-ever boxing memory:
Just being in and about the gym as a little girl, I used to run around and get in the way of all the lads training and more than likely or most definitely annoy every single one of them.
Something not many people know about you:
I love baking. I always grew up in the kitchen watching my mum and dad cook. And then I always used to help when my dad was baking, and it’s just something I always loved us doing together, completely away from boxing and now enjoy doing it myself as well.
