LIAM Richards claimed his first victory for more than three-and-a-half years as he spoiled the party at the Bath Pavilion on Saturday night, stopping Bristol’s Pete Leworthy in his final professional contest.

Former English super-bantamweight title-challenger Richards, 29, has earned his corn as a journeyman since returning to the ring in February following a break of almost three years and he was back reacquainted with the winning feeling after stopping 31-year-old Leworthy with 57 seconds to go of their six-round contest.

Contender Gym man Richards got off to a slow start but when he brought his opponent to a halt with a punishing left jab midway through the third round, the face of the fight changed dramatically.

Richards’ landed another effective hook and his confidence sky-rocketed, with the Wiltshire fighter displaying all his best showboating skills as he ground Leworthy down.

And with 2:03 on the clock in the sixth and final round, an arcing right hand rained down and brought the contest to an end, with a downed Leworthy unable to continue, handing Richards his first win since his victory over Elemir Rafael in Trowbridge in December 2011.

“When I said I was coming back, I came back with a different mindset. I came back to enjoy boxing and have tear-ups,” said Richards.

“And to be fair, if you’re the away guy, you’ve got it against you. I got the opportunity to fight locally and I jumped at it.

“I’ve been boxing in Liverpool, Manchester and the Midlands, and to come home, a 15 or 20 minute drive away, gives you that extra punch and power.

“I didn’t come and think I was going to knock the guy out or win in style – I just wanted to show the hometown fans what I’m all about.”