In Episode #113 of The Box Gathering Podcast, we hear from Olympian and professional boxer Lewis Richardson. Through honest storytelling, Lewis discusses what drew him to boxing, the struggles he has faced, and how a mindset focused on self-improvement and honesty has shaped both his performance and his personal life.
Accountability and Honesty
Right from the start, Lewis makes it clear what drew him to boxing: the accountability and raw honesty of the sport.
“The 1v1, the accountability, the fact that you win and that’s on you, you get your hand raised, there’s no one else…”
As we know, unlike team sports, there’s no hiding in boxing:
“I feel like boxing’s one of the, well, the most honest sport in the world, and if you don’t put the work in, then the chances are at some stage you will get found out.”
For boxers and coaches, this message underlines the necessity of proper preparation. We often focus on the physical, but Lewis reminds us of the importance of looking at things holistically, with attention to nutrition, rest, and the company you keep. Above all, though, his mindset and mental approach to his training stand out:
“You have to be honest with yourself because when you get in the ring, it can be a very humbling experience.”
The Road to the Olympics
Lewis’ Olympic qualification journey was anything but straightforward. Along with pandemic disruptions and changing weight classes, his first Olympic opportunity hinged on drawing Oleksandr Khyzhniak, one of the best in the world. When asked how he coped, Lewis says:
“I just see it as a challenge, and I love a challenge. Of course, you know, 15 months later, I got in the ring with him and it didn’t go my way. But I’m proud of the way I applied myself throughout those 15 months. I got fitter, I got stronger, I got better. You know, I tried, and at the end of the day, you know, all you can do is try.”
Setbacks are inevitable. What matters is developing the resilience to keep showing up, learning, and growing stronger. While Lewis didn’t win the bout, he developed other valuable assets such as mental strength, discipline, and pride in the process.
Qualifying for the Olympics
When asked whether qualifying or medalling meant more, Lewis didn’t hesitate; qualifying for the games was what mattered. The reason? The struggle it took to get there. One of the most valuable insights for coaches is Lewis’ emphasis on the journey instead of obsessing over outcomes.
“The adversity I had to come through… the challenges, the setbacks… I ripped the script up and created my own one and made it happen.”
Qualification was where the years of dedication were; the Olympics were his “graduation,” a moment for the world to see what he was about, not just as a boxer, but as a person.
“That was my moment for the whole world to witness who Lewis Richardson was and what he was about.”
Dealing with Disappointment
All athletes experience losses and disappointments, and after narrowly missing the Olympic final on a split decision, Lewis’s ability to manage disappointment stood out. He shares:
“I was just so conscious to not let that negatively impact my Olympic experience because I was literally living out my childhood dreams… The initial, you know, feeling was disappointment, but I was so conscious to flip that.”
Team GB’s support and his own self-awareness allowed him to celebrate his achievements, rather than dwell on what could have been.
What Makes a Good Coach?
In Lewis’s eyes, the best coaches care first and foremost about their athletes as people.
“Someone who cares for you makes you a good coach. Someone who’s genuinely got your best interests at heart… being adaptable to the boxer… You having this methodical, one-size-fits-all approach isn’t going to work for everyone.”
He underscores the importance of a human connection, echoing something we often say here at The Box Gathering: “connect before you correct.”
Final Thoughts: “Have You Brought People Along With You?”
As the episode closes, Lewis offers a message for his future self and shows the importance of the process over the outcome:
“Have you enjoyed the journey? Have you brought people along the way with you? You know, your loved ones who you want to bring along the way?”
His fondest memories are of sharing success with his family, friends, and fans, reminding us that in the end, the relationships and shared moments are what last.
Key Takeaways for Boxers and Coaches
- Honesty: Progress starts with being truthful about your strengths, weaknesses and efforts.
- Process not outcomes: Celebrate small wins and stay present.
- Autonomy fuels motivation: Choice builds internal motivation.
- Support emotional resilience: Setbacks are stepping stones. Learn from them.
- Embrace the individual: Help boxers build on their unique styles.
- Prioritise holistic development: Support life outside boxing. Encourage education and broader development.
- Care First: The best coaches care deeply and coach the person, not just the boxer.