Dons fan eager for scrap at stadium LERRONE DREAMS OF PLOUGH LANE
UNDEFEATED boxer Lerrone Richards is aiming for another win on Friday – to help him move a step closer to a dream fight at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane!
The 31-year-old, who hails from nearby New Malden, takes on Steed Woodall in a super-middleweight contest at the famed York Hall, Bethnal Green, but it’s another venue that long-time Dons fan Richards has in his sights.
“I would love to fight at Plough Lane,” he told The FLP. “It’s about bringing the right fight at the right time. I probably need to win another world title to achieve that.
“I feel it’s realistic and what an event it would be for the club – it would be history. That’s what I plan on doing.”
The Dons have suffered a few blows of late in their bid for a League Two play-off spot, but southpaw Richards is hoping they can still pack a punch in the closing weeks of the campaign.
“The last few results have been frustrating, but at the same time, as an athlete, I know that you are not going to perform at your best every time,” he said.
“It’s not looking the best right now, but hopefully we can pick up form and get into the play-offs.
“I’m based in Sheffield, but every time I’m down in London I get to the games and I also go to the games around here if we’re playing up here.
“I was gutted I couldn’t get to the MK Dons game (a 1-0 win) last month, but I was so happy we won.”
Richards, who has won all his 18 fights, will put thoughts of
Wimbledon on the backburner for the moment as he prepares to face Woodall in a bout for the WBO Intercontinental title.
Relaxed
It is a contest that will be shown live on Channel 5 and gives the former British, Commonwealth, European and IBO World champion the chance to enhance his reputation.
“I’m looking forward to it,
I’m relaxed and confident,” said Richards, who will be hoping AFC Wimbledon fans tune in to watch his fight. “I approach things with professionalism and I want to show the world how good I am.
“He’s a game fighter, dangerous and knows what he’s doing, but I know what I’m capable of doing. I’m not just confident because I feel I’m better. My preparation and how fit I am means I’m confident I can beat anyone. It will give me a top ten ranking and put me back in position to compete for world titles.
“I’ve never been one of those guys who just wants to protect their ‘0’ (unbeaten record).
“I take the fights available – I’ve never ducked a fight, I want to challenge myself. I want to keep pushing.
“I had a bit of inactivity. I didn’t have a promoter, I couldn’t get the fights I wanted and fights were falling through.
“I’ve got a new promotional company in Wasserman and they are keeping me busy and helping me get back where I belong. I had a couple of fights last year and am getting back into the swing of things.”