Dave Coldwell believes that Lerrone Richards will send a message to the world’s leading super middleweights when he faces Carlos Gongora. At the Manchester Arena on December 18th, Richards appears on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s rematch with Derek Chisora, and Coldwell is adamant his man will make a huge impression. 

Impressing on his climb up the rankings and collecting various titles along the way, Richards has slowly crept into world belt contention, and he can stake further claims with a win over Gongora. The Ecuadorian has looked devastating in recent times, but Coldwell says his man will be fully prepared for the threat of the undefeated dangerman. 

Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez holds every major title at 168-pounds - WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA - but he's considering a big jump in weight to the cruiserweight division in 2022. And if Canelo moves up to challenge for the WBC cruiserweight title, he may not return to 168 - which in turn would open up all four of the world title.

“This is a huge opportunity for Lerrone, and it’s one I’m confident he will take,” said Coldwell. “I’ve looked at Gongora and there’s no doubt he’s an incredibly good fighter who believes in himself. He’s been knocking guys over and he’ll fancy this job, but Lerrone is a fighter who I think can be special. He can show that in Manchester. 

“12st is a division that will become wide open if Canelo Alvarez makes his anticipated move to cruiserweight and I fully expect Lerrone to be in big world title fights next year. There’s big fight at home and abroad for him in 2022 but he must beat Gongora first and then we can look forward.”