'You'll see a new Lerrone Richards on the night, trust me' says southpaw
Lerrone Richards has promised that fans will see a new version of him when he returns to the ring to fight for the Commonwealth title at the SSE Arena on April 27.
The strapping super-middleweight fights the former British and Commonwealth middleweight champion Tommy Langford next for the vacant belt at Wembley, one that he hopes will be the beginning of a short road towards British honours later in the year. He is currently favourite to win despite Langford experiencing so many more championship fights then him.
The 26-year-old from New Malden has just three stoppages on his ledger from 11 fights so far and has sometimes been labelled as 'one for the purists', with him often being content to unpick his opponents over full distance rather than apply an early finish.
The stylish southpaw, however, is a devoted disciple of the sweet science, although he does acknowledge that his approach has resulted in prospective opponents being a bit thin on the ground.
"Do you know what, I've been very, very patient and there have been times when I thought I wasn't going to get a fight," admitted Richards, also known as 'Sniper the Boss'.
"I am just glad I have got this fight and it is time for me to shine. No excuses now. Serious business.
"I am part of the 'who wants him' club! It is the sweet science style and people don't want to fight."
Richards pondered the question when asked if criticism of him not closing fights out from a dominant position is valid. Commentators have suggested that he tends to enjoy his own work a little too much whilst in the ring.
"It's a good question," he conceded. "I just feel that I've done what I had to do. I have enjoyed it a lot and people do criticise me for not finishing the show.
"You'll see a new Lerrone Richards on the night, trust me," he added, confirming that his own gym-mate Bradley Skeete has also encouraged him over the need to make statement performances in the ring.
"Absolutely, although I think people underrate my punching power because I can hit. I am just a purist and I love the sweet science of boxing. We'll see what happens on the night."