COLCHESTER'S Lewis Richardson faces the toughest test of his boxing life tonight when he represents England at the Great Britain Championships, in Sheffield.

The 19-year-old takes on Scotland’s John Docherty at 75 kilogrammes, a highly-rated opponent who won the gold medal at last year’s Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa and has already been promoted to the GB squad.

Richardson said: “It’s a massive night for me.

“We’re very similar in style, being both southpaws; we’re both quite tall, and he already has an impressive CV.

“He’s highly rated, and rightly so and he has my full respect but he’s beatable - he’s lost his last two fights, albeit against top quality opposition.

"But I have confidence in my ability, it’s a massive opportunity for me and there’s no reason why I can’t do it.

“Sure, he’s got loads of experience, and has a year or two on me.

“He’s now funded as part of the GB squad, so the pressure’s on him and he’ll be favourite.

"But I’ve got and opportunity to really make my mark, and trust me, I’ll be giving it my very best shot.”

Achieving a place on the GB squad – which would mean Lewis joining the World Class Performance Programme as a funded athlete - is his big incentive over the next 12 months.

And an extra incentive at Sheffield is that victory against Docherty will guaranteed him a trial.

“That said, if I don’t win but put up a good show I could still earn myself an invitation to work out with the GB lads and state my claim," said Richardson, who has won his opening two fights of this season.

"But I can assure you I will not be entering the ring in Sheffield simply to give a good account of myself, I’ll be doing it to win the fight.”

The GB Boxing Championships showcases the best male and female talent in Britain.

The elite boxer in their division from England, Scotland and Wales is pitted against a boxer from the GB squad, to identify the national champion of 2016.

GB Boxing chief executive Matt Holt said: “These championships showcase the best up and coming boxers from across Scotland, England and Wales, and will act as a culmination of the domestic year for them.

"It’s a great opportunity for boxers knocking at the door - like Lewis - to secure an assessment for the GB squad.”

Meanwhile, Richardson has received another boost from the local business community, with support pledged to him from Highwoods Health Clinic.

The clinic, based at The Colchester Seebed and Business Centre, in Wyncolls Road, are giving him access to their first class sports massage and treatment services.

He said: “I can’t thank Dan Worboys enough for his support and generosity – I’ve already had my first massage, and it was awesome.

"This relationship is going to be such a big help to me in preparing for fights, and winding down after them.

"I've got three great sponsors now and their support is so helpful but I'm always looking for more sponsorship.

"Every bit plays a part in helping me fulfil my dream of representing Colchester and Great Britain, at the Tokyo Olympics."