England’s Richardson (2-0) returns to the ring for the first time in 13 months on Saturday night, when the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist meets Ivan Trofimovich (1-3-1, 1 KO) over six rounds at Birmingham’s BP Pulse LIVE.

The fight, on DAZN’s undercard of the Queensberry Promotions event headlined by Liam Davies against Nathaniel Collins, might seem like a low-key return. But after the nightmare the 29-year-old Richardson endured since he was injured during a Christmas Eve sparring session, the clash will represent a significant moment in his short career.

Richardson will climb back through the ropes buoyed by advice from Tua (52-5-2, 43 KOs), a former world heavyweight title challenger, following a chance meeting with the 53-year-old New Zealander earlier this summer.

“I was at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” Richardson told The Ring. “I was at a World Boxing event one evening during the Games and I bumped into him there because he is the head coach of Samoa. We hit it off and had a really good conversation. We must have been talking for about half an hour. He was giving me advice on the business side of things.

“Then, when he went to leave, he shook my hand, left hand to left hand, and wouldn’t let go of it. He said, ‘Feel that Samoan power going into your body, make sure you remember me.’ Then he did some sort of blessing and he was on his way. He had one of the best left hooks ever, which is handy for me because I’m left-handed as well. We will see on September 26 if that has come through.”

Tua, who challenged Lennox Lewis for his WBC and IBF heavyweight titles in November 2000, was renowned for his explosive power, particularly with his trademark left hook. One of his most famous examples was the one that helped him stop former world heavyweight champion Michael Moorer inside 30 seconds when they met in 2002.

“It was great to speak to someone who has fought at that very top level,” Richardson added “He just wanted to make sure that I could learn from some of the mistakes he made and also what worked for him, too. He was such a sound guy. He actually invited us over to Samoa and New Zealand for a training camp, but I’m not sure what [trainer] Rob [McCracken] will say about that. I haven’t asked him yet.

“But first thing’s first, let’s see if that blessing has worked and if I can get the first stoppage of my career this time. I’m looking forward to my return and I’m looking to make a bit of a statement. I want to do it for myself more than to generate any external noise. I stay fit all the time. Even though I’ve been out of the ring for a year I’ve lived the life and tried to learn and develop. I think come September 26, you’ll see that.”