Richardson impatient for his first belt

FAST-learning boxing rookie Dean Richardson already has his eyes on a Southern Area belt, writes Jon Batham.

The Ruislip welterweight made it three knockouts in three pro fights when he battered vastly more experienced Polish middleweight Marcin Cybulski into submission in the third round at Wembley Arena on Friday night.

Not bad for a first-year pro, and by this time next year, the 21-year-old southpaw wants that first title belt around his waist – or at the very least firmly in his sight.

“I think at the moment my manager is happy I’m winning and stopping all my opponents, but he’s worried if I keep doing it, he may have trouble getting me fights,” he said.

“In the short term, the aim would be to stay undefeated, and by this time next year, to fight for, or to be looking towards fighting for, the Southern Area welterweight title.”

Richardson, inspired to box after watching Ricky Hatton’s title fight with Floyd Mayweather when he was 12, can only have enhanced his reputation by despatching seasoned campaigner Cybulski well inside the distance.

The former Ruislip ABC fighter first floored his heavier opponent with a right hook to the head in the second round, then a left to the body in the third and, although the Pole got up once more, an overhand left soon brought an end to the contest.

“The standout thing about me at the moment would be my punching power,” said Richardson. “I’ve had three fights, all of which have been stopped, and I’ve put all three opponents down more than once.

“But I think I’m a clever fighter too, with the ability to set up good shots, and I’m tall for the weight, so I have good range with my punching.”

Richardson plans to be back in the ring in March.

Natalie Mayhew POTENT: Southpaw Dean Richardson after his third pro knockout