COLCHESTER boxer Lewis Richardson admits he was left 'devastated' after his semi-final defeat at the Paris Olympics tonight.

But the 27-year-old says he is hopes to look back on his achievements with pride, once the dust settles on his achievements.

The light middleweight lost out on a split decision to Mexican Marco Alonso Verde Alvarez in the men's 71kg boxing at Roland Garros, a result that means he will claim bronze for Team GB.

It was a close bout and one that could have gone either way, with many observers feeling Richardson was unfortunate not to be given the nod to progress to Friday's final for the gold medal.

 

Speaking to BBC Sport, Richardson said: "It is devastating, it's a good word.

"It's raw; I've stepped out of the ring moments ago so emotions are very high.

"I'm obviously disappointed to miss out on the final and box for a gold, on Friday night.

"Initial disappointment but I hope to look back and be extremely proud of what I've achieved, because I've created history within my city of Colchester and I'm the only British boxer to medal at these Games.

"Hopefully, I'll look back with pride and happiness in the future."

Richardson started well landing a solid punch to Verde's face, but the Mexican grew back into the round throwing a series of different combinations and breaking through the British fighter's defence.

The second round saw the British fighter show his skills off in the following round, landing a great uppercut and a couple of big blows to Verde's head to take the round.

An evenly-poised contest boiled down to the third round and Richardson began to use his reach more, throwing a big strike to Verde's nose.

The Mexican caught the British fighter on the cheek but struggled to land some big swings before being hit in the face again by Richardson.

However, Verde was given the verdict, to progress to Friday's final.