Olympic bronze medallist Lewis Richardson wins pro debut… and can now enjoy his postponed birthday curry

The Colchester lad turned 28 on Wednesday but could not celebrate with his professional boxing bow slated for last night in Ipswich.

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Lewis Richardson beat Dmitri Protkunas in his pro debutCredit: GettyInstead the southpaw booked a local curry restaurant for 15 loved ones and just had to deliver the goods in the ring.

And the 2024 Olympic bronze winner did the job, beating tough Estonian Dmitri Protkunas 60-54 on points.

The Brit ace had a loud crowd make the 29-minute drive over from his doorstep.

And they cheered his slick southpaw work, rapid fists and the willingness to drop his hands to his waist, in an effort to get the cautious journeyman to engage.

The Essex ace used to sell Pukka Pies at the Portman Road stadium a decade ago, while doing his school exams.

And he returned to his old stomping ground for six one-sided rounds where he showed plenty of his amateur skill and future potential.

Richardson had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.

The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.

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“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.

“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.

“I can’t even think about my order now.

“But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.”

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Richardson celebrates debut victoryCredit: Reuters