Former British Middleweight champ Tommy Langford had a frustrating night as he took on Lerrone Richards for the Commonwealth and WBO international title as Wembley arena London (27/4)19). Langford (29) who had moved up to super Middleweight at the start of the year started the fight well as he took a share of the first round as both fighter sized each other up. There was not much between them in the next five rounds with unbeaten Richards boxing out of an awkward southpaw stance forcing Langford to come forward and press the fight. Langford had a good seventh round just nicking it with some quality shots, but was being to forced to press Richards as he continued to frustrate with a very awkward style of boxing. Rounds eight and nine you would have to give to Richards as he countered well as Langford pressed and pressured him. Round 10 was a great one for Richards banging in some world class combinations with some sweet left uppercuts. Langford weathered the storm well and contiuned to press and pressure to the bell.
Richards bossed the 11th with nice combinations and some great uppercuts, Langford contiuned to battle hard and take the fight to his opponent which seemed to help Richards awkward style. In the final round Richards seem to know he had the fight on points and picked his shots well as Langford contiuned to pressed to the final bell. When the score cards came in they were unanimous judge Terry O’Connor had it 118- 110, judge Phil Edwards had it 116 – 113 and judge Robert Williams had it 118 – 111 all in favour of Richards.
Tommy Langford took to social media after the fight to make this statement, he wrote, very frustrating night at the office. I’ve lost a decision without really being in a fight. If that makes sense! Lerrone is the king of negativity he’s very clever and made it work for him. I was always trying to press and make the fight but credit where it’s due he rigidly stuck to what he’s good at. Extremely frustrating! I’ll dust myself off and see what’s next! Sorry to all the fans and supporters but thank you for all your belief and support. Dexter’s Thoughts
Very frustrating night for Langford against a fighter who had a very awkward style, Richards awkward style won him this fight as Langford was forced to change his style to make this contest a fight. Styles make fights and the two fighters styles didn’t gel, which made this not a very good match to watch. The first 6 rounds were close and could have gone ether way, but the second part of the fight was mostly Richards as he countered Langford who was forced to press to make the fight competitive. I can see why Langford was so frustrated, Richards has a very awkward southpaw style which is going to frustrate a lot of fighters as he moves up the ranks, but it’s works for him. Langford was a massive Middleweight and used that to his advantage in his old division, against Richards he didn’t have that physical presents as his opponent looked bigger than him. Langford can come back from this fight and can still be looking at titles fights. The Birmingham Boxing Column looks forward to seeing Langford back in the ring soon.