Q&A - Darren Richardson

Our latest Q&A sees us speaking to County Durham’s Darren Richardson ahead of Phil Jeffries upcoming show at the Rainton Meadows Arena. The 21 year old, is set to face Yousef Al Hamidi, in only his second bout but appears full of confidence following a successful debut last year.

British Boxing Blog - Please tell us about your boxing background and amateur career. How did you get in to the sport?

Darren Richardson - I’m a stonemason, 21 years old from Thornley in County Durham with two children; Ruby May 3 years and Frankie James who’s 1. My amateur record reads 26 fights, lost 5. I won Under 20s Senior Novices 2014, boxed in ABAs in 2015 and got to national semi-finals (ROBBED) against Pat McCormack.

BBB - You've recently turned over to pro and made your debut (and won) at the end of 2015. What do you remember about that night? Were there any nerves or were you always confident you'd win your first pro fight?

DR - Yeah I boxed late 2015. It only went 2 rounds before he retired but I’m confident I can beat anyone at 10 stone. As I was walking out I absolutely loved the support of my fans and was excited to put on a performance.

BBB - What are the differences you've noticed so far between the amateur and pros?

DR - I’ve noticed you have to keep calm and ride the storm, and it’s also about entertainment so you have to keep a higher guard because of small gloves and turn your shots over, which I did in the amateurs and stopped a few.

BBB - Does your training differ now that you are professional? Are you working on different things to what you used to do before you turned over?

DR - Yes Dave Binns has made my guard better and has me always in a position to punch and defend and loads of one to one coaching.

BBB - You train under the guidance of Dave Binns at East Durham College. How important is the influence of Dave to you at this stage of your career?

DR - Very important! The man has had me since I was 12. He is like the president but in the sport of boxing. He’s very highly known in boxing . But I need Dave, he doesn’t need me. He is a very clever and funny coach and I no I’m going far and he will be with me to the end.

BBB - You must learn a lot training alongside Warren Baister, Jonson Mcclumpha and Glenn Foot in the gym?

DR - I learn every day from them. Glenn Foot made me a tough man in boxing as I’ve been sparring with him since the age of 15. He is very talented so we all bring each other on. Jonson and Warren a great, both very big punchers.

BBB - Your next fight is on 5th March at Rainton Meadows Arena. How much do you enjoy fighting in front of your local fans?

DR - I love fighting at home but I’m not fussed on where I box as I’m used to taking short notice fights away.

BBB - How important are these first few early fights in your pro career in helping you to gain experience?

DR - Very important because these experienced journeymen you have to box have been in with the best and have experience which you can’t gain without boxing them.

BBB - Which other North East boxer should we keep an eye out for in 2016?

DR - Jay Hughes (lightweight) and Luke O'Rourke (flyweight)

BBB - And finally, what are the aims of Darren Richardson in 2016? Where would you like to be in terms of your career in 12 months’ time?

DR - I want to be active and fight for the Northern Area title by the end of 2016 or very early 2017 and do my family proud.

Big thanks to Darren for taking the time out to speak to us and we at British Boxing Blog wish him all the best for this weekend.