A journey 9 years in the making will see the ultimate goal come to fruition on March 13 as Murfreesboro native Adam “Swamp Donkey” Richards will challenge WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco Huck of Germany for the the world title at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin. Richards 23-2 will square off with WBO champion Huck 27-1 in the 12 round title fight. This will be Richards’s first attempt at a world title in a career that has seen him reinvent himself from cruiserweight to heavyweight and eventually back to cruiserweight. Richards turned pro in March of 2001 as a cruiserweight and weighed 201 lbs in his pro debut against Lewis Gilbert..
He suffered a set back in his 3rd professional fight against Kevin Petty and took the next 3 1/2 years off from the sport to go to school and re-evaluate his career. Richards was a full time student at Middle Tennessee State University during his break from the ring and pursued a degree in criminology. Richards returned to boxing in February of 2005 as a heavyweight weighing 232 lbs against Eric Lindsey. After campaigning as a heavyweight in his next 18 fights and weighing as much as 255 lbs Richards decided to transition back to cruiserweight and make a run for a world title.
The Swamp Donkey reserected his career at The Fitz Casino under the promotional guidance of Prize Fight. Richards is another great boxer in the great line of fighters who have built their career under the Prize Fight banner and who have ultimately reached world rankings and world title fights. Prize Fight’s “Fights At The Fitz” series is over 5 years old and has built the careers of famed prospects Lamont Peterson, Anthony Peterson, Rayonta Whitfield, Fernando Guerrero and Shawn Porter just to name a few. “We are fortunate to have a great relationship with The Fitz and be able to promote 10+ shows per year there. It has been the breeding ground for many world class fighters and a blessing for our company”, said Brian Young of Prize Fight.
Adam is tarined by world renowned trainer Ronnie Shields and Shields feels he is prepared to shock the world and win the title. Shields had this to say when asked about Richards preparation for the Huck fight, “Adam is ready. This is a very tough fight in the champion’s backyard but when opportunity knocks you must answer. Adam has worked hard and is a heavy puncher so he has a great chance in this fight.” When asked if he felt he could win a decision in Germany against Huck, Shields responded, “You would like to think the judges would be fair to us but it is always tough fighting overseas against the local champion. We won’t go in looking for the knockout but we will definitely take it if it comes.” Shields had this to say about the difference between Richards as a cruiserweight versus a heavyweight, “Adam is much faster but has maintained his power which is rare when losing as much weight as Adam has lost. He is a more complete package as a cruiserweight.”
Adam Richards felt similar to Shields on fighting in Germany and had this to say, “I know if anything is close it is most likely going to go to Huck. So I have to make sure that I apply continual pressure and not let him steal any rounds. I have to be the aggressor and look for the opening to hurt him with power shots. Then if the knockout comes it comes.” Richards also commented on his move from heavyweight to cruiserweight, “I have the same strength but I am faster. I am a better athlete and more mobile. With my added speed and mobility my punches are faster which I think gives me even more power as a cruiserweight.”
On the opportunity to fight for a world title Richards had this to say, “It is a dream come true. This is why we do this, for the chance to call ourselves world champ. I have that chance and will be fully prepared to bring this title home to the United States.” Adam is also excited about the style math up with Huck and said the following, “I don’t have to chase Huck around the ring. He comes to fight just like I do which means this will be a war fought in the middle of the ring.”
Richards was asked why he was chosen for this title fight over the other possible contenders ranked ahead of him and had this to say, “I think I have proven myself as a warrior and that is the main reason I was chosen. If other fighters were offered the fight and wanted it then they should have signed the contract. Fighting for a world title was a dream of mine so when it was offered to me I immediately said yes. There was no question about it.”
The WBO Cruiserweight World Title bout featuring champion Marco Huck vs. Adam “Swamp Donkey” Richards is scheduled for 12 rounds and is promoted by Sauerland Events in association with Prize Fight.