COLCHESTER boxer Lewis Richardson maintained his fine form by winning his third fight of the year.

The talented 19-year-old beat experienced Welshman Jake Anthony with a unanimous verdict.

Anthony was a late replacement opponent for Richardson, after former Welsh amateur champion Dan Barton pulled out days before due to injury.

However, Anthony was no less a testing opponent for the Centurions ABC fighter, who extended his stay in Wales for the whole of last week.

Richardson said: "Jake is older and more experienced than Dan, a very tough and ‘come forward’ fighter, so another great test for me.

“So to win with a unanimous decision and at the home show of former world super-lightweight champion Gavin Rees in South Wales, was another massive boost.

“I boxed within my comfort zone and three wins within in four weeks is great preparation for the Elite Championships, which begin next month and end in April, over the weekend after Easter, with the finals at York Hall in London.

“What I’m really enjoying at the moment is travelling here, there and everywhere, taking on good quality opponents, and most importantly, winning.

“I’m staying with my coach, Simon Mullan and we’re going to be visiting different gyms to do some sparring, which is going to be really helpful.”