TEAM GB superstar Gemma Richardson has signed a professional contract with VIP Boxing Management and 11:11 Management.
Gemma, 23, will make her professional debut early next year and will be trained by John Stubbs and Anth Kelly, in the North-East at Tenacity Gym.
The Scunthorpe boxer whose contract with Team GB ended last week has been one of British boxing’s most successful amateurs winning 60 of her 67 contests.
She was Youth European and World Champion and struck Gold and Silver in the European Juniors.
Another major landmark in Gemma’s medal stacked amateur career was being crowned European Under-22 champion.
Gemma who won also won five national titles, a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and will box at Super-Featherweight said: “I can’t wait to get started.
“I had heard good things about VIP and 11:11 Management from my trainer John Stubbs and I got on with Steve Wood and Suresh Sivagnanam when we met.
“I knew straight away that they will do good things for me and it is going to be a special journey with them.
“John coached me on the England squad and always gave me good advice so it was natural for him to train me as a professional.
“The first 12 months will be about developing, but then pushing on and winning the biggest and best titles.”
Although Gemma was controversially overlooked for the Paris Olympics in August she did return to Team GB, but added: “I knew it is now time to turn professional as I have the opportunity to work with my trusted trainer, the support of my family at my home as well as the expertise and guidance of the professional team provided by VIP Boxing and 11:11.”
11:11 Management Director Sivagnanam says: “It’s great to have Gemma join 11:11 Management, as one of the most exciting prospects in female boxing.
“As Gemma’s commercial representative 11:11 ensures that Gemma has the full support of its talent development programme to successfully launch her professional career.”
VIP Boxing Managing Director Steve Wood added: “It is statement signing for VIP and I appreciate the support of 11:11 management getting this over the line.
“Gemma is one of the most exciting female fighters and has demonstrated her abilities with Team GB.
“I am looking forward to developing her career. She had a standout amateur record and was unfortunate not to go to this year's Olympics where her competition records indicates she would have medalled.
“I believe she could win a World title on her debut, but we have a development plan to build her into a global star and will stick with it.”
Like VIP Boxing and company director, Josh Warrington, Richardson is a staunch Leeds United fan.
Two-time World champ Warrington says: “I met Gemma for the first-time last week and she seems a really nice person and someone I can work with.
“I was impressed by her Amateur record. I have watched some of her fights and her style is made for professional boxing.
“I really believe she will be a sensation and what’s better she is a Leeds fan.
“I am not sure if I have finished yet but I am sure she will be another World Champion that supports Leeds.
“I look forward to playing my part in developing her career which is going to be exciting - I hope my fans will get behind her and give her the great support that I receive.”
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