COLCHESTER'S Olympic boxing hopeful Lewis Richardson had made a winning start to the new season after impressing for England.

The 19-year-old, representing his country against a team who are all chasing a place with the national squad, secured a points victory over Richard Lewicki at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Richardson said: "It was a bit of a scrappy three rounds but a win's a win and this was a big confidence boost against a difficult opponent.

"Both of us had a lot to prove and what I proved to myself is that you don't always have to win pretty."

Richardson's win over Lewicki was his 44th victory in his 52nd amateur bout and the Colchester Centurions Boxing Club member returns to the ring next month.

"For me now it is all about building up momentum," added Richardson, who has set his sights on gaining promotion to the Great Britain squad and achieving selection for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I have some important national and international championships coming up soon and I'm really happy to have got my first fight of the season done and dusted with the right result.

"I have also been overwhelmed with the goodwill and support that has come my way from local people after the preview in the Daily Gazette, much of it via social media, so a big thank you and that encouragement is very much appreciated."