HOW IT ALL BEGAN!...
Tommy Richwood’s story is a vivid piece of boxing history, woven through generations and kept alive by his legacy. Born in 1881—the same year England held its first Boxing Championships—Tommy was one of the last true bare-knuckle fighters, dedicating half a century to the sport. His career began humbly, working as an apprentice plater at Sir James Laing and Sons’ Deptford Shipyard in Sunderland. The work was tough, and the wages were modest, but he found his true calling in the ring, where the prize money—though rarely more than £2 or £3—offered more than financial reward. It offered a chance to prove his grit.
Tommy’s rise came through bruising, bare-knuckled bouts fought under orthodox conditions. His fights took place in local venues like the Old Star Music Hall on Sans Street, where he carved out his place in boxing lore by becoming the first to knock out American welterweight George Justice, a USA titleholder. Tommy’s victory marked him as a force in the ring, earning him respect and setting the stage for his influence on Wearside boxing.
After his fighting years, Tommy gave back to the sport, founding the Wearside Boxing School, first at Sheepfolds and later on Dun Cow Street. Under his guidance, fighters like Bob Lamb, Dougie Parker, Harry Best, and Private Robson honed their skills. Tommy’s influence extended to Sunderland’s boxing scene, where he served as chief second at the Old Sunderland Stadium in Park Lane and the Theatre Royal, meeting and learning from boxing legends like Owen O’Rourke and Driver Inpham.
The boxing tradition didn’t end with Tommy; his son, Tom, nicknamed “Kid Richwood,” carried the family legacy forward, competing in 44 professional fights. Now, that same fighting spirit has passed down to me, his great-grandson. Through the generations, the Richwood name continues to resonate in the boxing world, a testament to Tommy’s indelible mark on the sport.
RICHWOOD IN GLOVES SINCE 1881
From the moment I first laced up a pair of gloves at 14, boxing became more than just a sport—it was a lifelong passion. Over the years, I competed in numerous national and international tournaments, across continents and in Multi Nation Events. By the time I hung up my gloves in 2001, I was proud to be ranked No. 5 by England Boxing News in the Open Class Cruiserweight (86kg) division.
But even as I stepped out of the ring, my dedication to the sport continued. I went on to become an International GB Olympic Referee and Judge, an honor that’s allowed me to take part in some of the most prestigious events in the world. From officiating finals in the Olympic Games and World Championships to the Pan American and Commonwealth Games, I’ve had the privilege of seeing boxing’s finest talents up close and contributing to the sport I love in a new way.
Years of pad work and observing other fighters gave me a unique perspective on training. I began thinking about how fighters could absorb strikes to the body with greater comfort and safety. This led me to develop a new concept: the BODiBOX Pads. These patented, handcrafted pads are designed to make training more effective, with the material and design adapting over time to improve comfort and performance.
Here’s to the next chapter in boxing—one I hope will add value to every fighter’s journey.
RICHWOOD IN GLOVES SINCE 1881
