Blair Richardson

Blair Richardson was a hard-punching middleweight who hit too hard for his own good. The bones of his fists were unable to withstand his tremendous punching power, causing him to suffer several bone fractures throughout his career. The soft-spoken, baby-faced Richardson had a tremendous following around the Sydney, Glace Bay and Halifax regions. He routinely fought before capacity crowds who were electrified by his sizzling knockout victories. He became interested in boxing while in High School and turned pro at the age of 15 without any amateur experience. He began his pro career under the tutelage of Jimmy Nemis and later under the charge of Johnny Buckley, Sr., and upon his death, Johnny Buckley, Jr.. Richardson retired June 16, 1967, citing that he had lost his "viciousness." Richardson was an alumnus of Emerson College where he earned bachelor and master of science degrees in speech. (minors in sociology and theology) After his retirement from the ring, he taught speech at Northeastern University for two years before joining the faculty at Emerson College in 1970. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and several speech organizations. Richardson died on March 6, 1971, at New England Deaconess Hospital following surgery for a brain tumor. When Richardson died, he was survived by his parents, two brothers, and his wife Beverly who was expecting their first child.