Leo Richardson insists that he has nothing to prove as he prepares for his return to the ring at BAA Gymnasium on Saturday night after a lengthy absence.

Richardson has not laced up his gloves for an amateur bout since 2006, but was approached by the Bermuda International Boxing Association (BIBA) to headline its first card against Chioke Tucker.

For the past two years, Richardson, 42, has turned his focus to training aspiring boxers at Controversy Gym, now located underneath Queen’s Club, with several of his stable also venturing between the ropes on Saturday,

However, he could not resist making at least one more ring entrance to test whether or not his opponent has the requisite skills to leave the amateur ranks and turn professional, as is Tucker’s intent should he defeat Richardson, who is eight years older.

Richardson admits that he is simply incapable of walking away from a challenge and said that his impending tussle with Tucker, of Forty Rego’s Gym, has got his competitive juices flowing.

“You know me, I can’t turn down a fight,” said Richardson, in his deep and distinctive gravelly voice. “It’s hard for me to turn something like this down, as first and foremost I’m a boxer.

“The days of being nervous are long over for me and I’ve been sparring with the next generation of fighters [at Controversy Gym] who have got me in good shape.”

Richardson said that the main reason behind his comeback to was to help stoke up interest in the 12-bout card, which will showcase many of the young boxers whom he trains.

He insisted that he was more concerned with how his protégés fared, such as teenagers Tyler Christopher and Anthony Williams, than the outcome of his mouth-watering heavyweight masters bout against Tucker.

“I’m trying to get my youth [boxers] promoted and if that means I have to fight on this card to get people to come and support the event, then so be it,” Richardson added.

“This night isn’t about me and I’ve got nothing to prove. People already know what I’m capable of. I know my youths are looking forward to seeing me fight, though, even if it’s only once.

“This has happened for a reason and I’ve got my energy from the youths who have helped get me in ‘stupid’ shape for this fight.”

Tucker is a known admirer of Richardson from when he attended his bouts at the Number One Shed, the former home of Bermuda boxing, before the cruise terminal was demolished in 2008.

Back then, Richardson adopted the moniker “Lionheart” and is adamant that he has lost none of his courage nor appetite for the battle in the intervening years since hanging up his gloves.

“The one time I spoke to Chioke, he said, ‘I’ve seen you fight and you’re nice’. Hopefully, this fight can be good for him because he will know what it takes to go pro,” said Richardson, who will have his longtime trainer Chuck Renaud in his corner.

“I’m not worried about him being younger than me. I mean, look at Bernard Hopkins [the light-heavyweight world champion], he won his last fight and he is 49!

“Age is just a number, so don’t think that just because I’m 42, I’m not quick any more. If he wants to bring the beast out in me, then all he has to do is come at me all crazy and dopey. But I don’t think he will do that.”

Bermuda boxing legends Clarence Hill, Troy Darrell and Quinn Paynter will be among those acknowledged at Saturday’s event, which has been fittingly dubbed “The Homecoming”, as BAA previously hosted boxing throughout the Seventies and Eighties.

Tickets for the card can be purchased at the International Sports Shop or at the door. Ringside tickets are $60, while general admission is $40.