Coley returns - and shows he’s a force

Coley in a previous fight. The young man’s a real talent

THERE’S a menace about Lewis Coley, a baby faced assassin quality.

Last night (Saturday) at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, Coley stalked and unleashed spiteful punches on his way to landslide, four round points victory over journeyman Liam Richards.

The Wiltshire boxer, taking part in his 99th contest, is near impossible to budge over the apprentice distance.

But he was definitely hurt by Coley’s vicious body shots and powerful uppercuts. Richards attempted to mask the pain by wobbling his legs theatrically in the third after being stung, but fooled no one.

For once, Richards (10st 2oz) was forced to take the task at hand very seriously. He rode the storm to lose 40-36.

Coley is a 22-year-old with a lot going for him. He has impeccable amateur pedigree, talent to burn and a big fanbase: they gathered in mass ranks behind me during last night’s bouts, loudly cheering every success. There were plenty of successes.

But his career desperately needs momentum. The victory – his fifth on the spin – was Lewis’ first outing since February, 2022.

When he started his paid career, back in 2019, Coley was a feather and has scaled as light as 8st 12lbs.

Against Richards, he weighed 10st 5lbs 7oz.

He is now back with Paddy Farrell, his former trainer at Kingstanding’s multi-titled 2nd City ABC, a no-nonsense coach who is respected nationally.

That’s good news for Coley and the sport in Birmingham.

If Paddy can’t show Lewis what he’s in danger of squandering and put the prospect back on the right track, frankly no one can.

You cannot dip in and out of professional boxing. Lewis has the ability to be a champion: the bottom line is, it’s down to him.

After the fight, Paddy told me: “I’m just glad he’s out again. He’ll be around 10st for his next fight and then I’d like to see him get down to lightweight. What he did as an amateur shows he’s got the quality.”

Coley had way too much quality for Richards. With left hand slung low, he whipped home body shots and ended the first session with a cracking right uppercut through the middle.

There was spite in his work: Coley received a warning in the third for use of his forearm, which I felt was a little harsh. He responded by cranking up the pressure and punishing Richards. A right hand connected cleanly and the visitor attempted to survive by showboating, my scribbled notes for the session read: “Richards under intense pressure.”

By the final round Coley was landing with lead uppercuts. The final bell could not have come soon enough for Richards (10st 2oz).

Lewis is back and has the ability to make his mark against Britain’s best. We now need to know if he has the hunger to match that ability.