By Michael Campbell
The pinnacle of achievement for a professional boxer is to fight for and win a World Title. On March 13th, Adam Richards will face off with WBO Cruiserweight Champion of World, Marco “Käpt'n” Huck at Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, Germany.
“It’s just a blessing,” Richards shared with BoxingScene.com. “Every young fighter dreams of one day fighting for the world title, and now my dream is coming true.”
After an epic battle with Steve Cunningham and a victory over Ola Afolabi, Huck is considered by many to currently sit atop the cruiserweight (200 lbs) division. Richards is not just getting his dream, he is being given an opportunity to take over the top spot in the weight class.
But in order to capitalize, Richards has to tackle the tough task of beating a German champ in his home country. “I’m actually really excited to go to Berlin. I traveled a coupled times while representing U.S.A. in the amateurs but this is my first fight outside the United States as a professional,” Adam said. “But I’m not nervous, I don’t get intimidated. I did a lot of travelling with Evander Holyfield so I’m used to the attention and large crowds. I think I do better with on the big stage with pressure because I never fold, I always step up to the task and I love to fight as the underdog.”
Relatively unknown to the mainstream fan, ironically, it was a loss to heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon that launched Richards towards this title fight. In front of his home state at Vanderbilt University on a major TV undercard, they had an all out battle and the fight was mentioned amongst the best of 2008 in Fight of the Year selection. “I was the underdog in that fight and nobody knew me, so it was sort of my coming out party. It was definitely my kind of fight,” Richards confided. “I don’t like a fight where there is a lot of chasing and holding, this was a FIGHT. It was a war, and if I’m gonna lose a fight, I’m gonna go down in a blaze, fighting my heart out, you can be guaranteed that!”
“I was throwing hand grenades at him and actually broke his jaw. I pulled some muscles and was pretty sore for awhile, but what has he done since the fight? I’m fighting for the world title now, so I sort of feel like he won the battle, but I won the war.”
The Witherspoon fight was Richards last as a heavyweight and he has been campaigning since at the 200 lbs limit. As high as 265 lbs, he felt sluggish and tired.
“I had to get rid of all my baby fat,” Richards laughed. "After that fight, I was asked if I would move down to cruiserweight and was told that I’d quickly get a shot at the title.”
Already on track to lose weight, coming in at 217 lbs for the battle with Witherspoon, he decided, along with his strength and conditioning coach, Brian Caldwell, to continue the trend.
“We put in a solid six months just dedicated to losing weight. I went from about 22% body fat down to 6% and feel better than ever. We took it off slowly, so I didn’t actually lose any strength or power. Actually I’m more dangerous now because I can throw with both hands, can throw a lot more punches and in combinations, and I’m making moves in the ring that I couldn’t make before. Honestly, I feel like a totally different human being now.”
Working as a longtime trainer at Savannah’s gym, Caldwell and Richards bonded during their training. “He’s my coach, but also my best friend. He puts in the work too alongside me and is very honest with me. We have our fun outside of training but once we start working every training session is extremely serious. He tells me that ‘I gotta put in what I want to get out of it,’ and I’ve really taken that to heart.”
With Caldwell handling the conditioning training, Richards’ boxing training is under the guidance of world renowned trainer Ronnie Shields. Adam says about his trainer, “I’m trained by one of the best coaches in the world and that’s a huge blessing. He’s like a father figure to me. We’ve been together for six years, and I trust with my life”
When Adam came to Houston to be trained by Shields, he often worked alongside legendary heavyweight Evander Holyfield and the two forged a bond which continues on to this day. “Evander’s been a great mentor to me. If I ever have problems or am unsure of a decision to make, he’s always there for me. He’ll never hesitate to help me.”
“Before I had ever met him, he was one of my favorite fighters. And when he would train in Houston, we would watch film together. He would help me prepare for my fights. He’s not just a great fighter, he’s a great person.” Richards continued about his team, “You surround yourself with people who’ve been to the top, because they know how to get there and stay there.”
Prior to the Witherspoon fight, Richards was probably best known for his unique nickname, one of the best in boxing.
“It was summer in Houston, and extremely hot and humid. I had just gotten done boxing and doing weights, and was working my abs with Brian on a green mat. I got up and left a puddle of sweat there. Brian said, ‘Man it looks like you’re lying in a puddle or swamp. Then a few days later, someone was talking about how hard I punch, and said it was like a donkey, which led to someone suggesting, ‘hey let’s get some green trunks and put Swamp Donkey on them,’ and we laughed. But I’m crazy like that so I went ahead and did it, and literally within 48 hours it was all over the internet. Now lots of people know me by the name or as just Swamp, and many don’t even k now my name! I love the name, it gives everyone something to remember me by, and it sets me apart.”
Swamp concludes, “I just want everyone to know that I’m a good fighter. I don’t ever run, I don’t back down from anyone and am not afraid of anything. I have a true love of training, and love of the sport. When I’m lifting, boxing, or training, I always put my heart and soul into it and it’s that motivation that’s going to help me get to the top and bring that belt home.”
Adam “Swamp Donkey” Richards
Record: 23-2, 16 KOs
Weight: Cruiserweight
Height: 6’2½”
Stance: Orthodox
Born: Murfreesboro, TN on November 26th, 1980
Residence: Houston, TX
Trainer: Ronnie Shields at Savannah’s Boxing Gym
Manager: Chris Rowland