Lerrone Richards believes he was “robbed” in his fight against Albert Ramirez in Montreal last Thursday and is desperate to avenge the loss in an immediate rematch with the Venezuelan.
Two of the three judges ringside scored the WBA interim light heavyweight title battle in Canada in Ramirez’s favour, causing outrage in the Richards camp.
“As the fight was going on, I felt like I was in control. I knew I’d put on an incredible performance,” Richards told Sky Sports.
“There was no doubt in our mind that we’d won the fight. For the judges to go against me in that way was crazy. I couldn’t believe it.
“I’ve been robbed of a lot of things, not just of the decision but of my livelihood. I’ve got a family, I’ve got two beautiful boys and I’m doing boxing to provide for them. They robbed me of a lot. It hurts. It still hurts now.”
The fight, which had been due to take place at the same venue in February at the Montreal Casino, was rescheduled after Ramirez was hospitalised due to appendicitis two days before the event.
Richards is confident he was the clear winner in the rearranged bout and is adamant the authorities must do more to ensure bad decisions don’t continue to happen.
Richards was shocked when he heard he hadn’t been awarded the victory
“He apologised and said Rich has won that fight, I’m sorry. He knew himself. I can respect that. He didn’t need to say that. It doesn’t make it any easier,” he said.
“It needs to be sorted out now. I keep using the word justice. I don’t want any fighter to go through this. You win a fight, you box well, you should get the decision and that’s what should happen.
“This won’t be the first and unfortunately it certainly won’t be the last. This situation here is bad because I’ve never seen someone win 10 of 12 rounds and still get robbed. It’s heartbreaking.”
Richards feels he dominated his fight with Ramirez
It was just the second defeat of his professional career, with the 33-year-old having won 19 of his 21 fights to date.
Despite still reeling at the result, Richards would have no problem in facing Ramirez again.
When asked if he’d like the rematch, he stated: “Of course. Would I fight Ramirez again, absolutely! I do want to fight him again.
“I’d fight him again anywhere but if the fight is ordered, it will go to purse bids. I’m hoping that a UK promoter will bid for the fight and we can get it over here. I believe it’s a bigger fight now than it was before. I think it’ll make for a great fight.”
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