Emile Richardson signs three-year BX-9 boxing deal after pro debut win

Former Commonwealth Games Representative Emile Richardson won his professional boxing debut in November.

Former Commonwealth Games representative Emile Richardson (Ngāti Raukawa/Ngāti Parewahawaha) has signed a three-year boxing contract with promoter BX-9.

The contract gives the two parties three years to work together and includes an annual review to see how Richardson progresses in the professional division.

Richardson, originally from Bulls and now living in Waikato, made his professional boxing debut in November last year, winning by unanimous decision over Hayden Todd.

Shortly after, Richardson, who works in the forestry industry, made his BX-9 debut, defeating Ioane Auvaa by unanimous decision.

BX-9 promoter Oz Jabur said he aims to get Richardson three fights a year, challenging him with international opponents and providing him with overseas opportunities.

Richardson is already a decorated amateur boxer, having represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games and the Pacific Games, and he has also won Golden Gloves in New Zealand.

He is also a two-time New Zealand National Amateur champion.

Richardson currently trains with Cairo George at Hit Fitness HQ in Hamilton.

With his amazing amateur boxing background and George as a trainer, it is expected Richardson will go far in professional boxing.

Generally, Richardson fights as a super middleweight in the professional division, however, he has been forced to fight in the light heavyweight division due to the lack of opponents.

After signing with BX-9, Richardson will potentially be able to fight as a super middleweight.

The date of Richardson’s return to the ring has yet to be confirmed, but BX-9 has multiple events coming up, including this Saturday in Tauranga, on March 28 in Auckland Central, on May 2, August 2 and in Hamilton on October 3.

Other boxers confirmed to have signed with BX-9 are hybrid-pro/semi-pro boxers, Josh Tonga and Mia Evans.

Tonga is an IBA World Youth Championships bronze medallist and Evans is a 2025 OCBC Oceania Championships gold medallist.

Both Tonga and Evans are scheduled to fight on February 28 in Tauranga.

Benjamin Watt is a retired boxing judge and New Zealand boxing writer with a decade of experience. Watt has also been BoxRec’s New Zealand record-keeper since 2014.