Lewis Ritson will go on to be a world champion says excited boss Phil Jeffries.
The Sunderland manager of the Newcastle fighter was speaking ahead of his unbeaten star’s maiden defence of his British lightweight title, against Joe Murray, in Manchester on Saturday, February 25.
It is some domestic scrap as Ritson puts his belt and unbeaten record on the line in the hometown of the challenger, who is known as ‘Genius’.
Ritson had originally expected to face former British champion, Scotty Cardle, only for the Lytham man to pull out.
Jeffries is full of confidence for his boxer, not just at Victoria Warehouse on the Matchroom promotion but beyond.
“Lewis will be a world champion,” declared Jaffa. “He’s going to be that good.
“That’s not me being in any way disrespectful to Joe Murray, we know the calibre of boxer he is.
“This is not an easy fight at all for a voluntary defence, but I’ve every confidence in Lewis.
“Just look at the way he won the title at the Manchester Arena against Robbie Barrett.
“What a way to perform in his first big championship bout and win a contract with Matchroom. And he’ll only get better.”
The 24-year-old has won all 13 of his contests, seven early, but he will concede experience against Murray who has lost just twice in 25 appearances.
Murray is on a run of eight straight victories, four inside the distance.
The Northern battle tops the latest of promoter Eddie Hearn’s JD NXTGEN events, with former Olympian Natasha Jonas part of the cast list at the Manchester venue.
Words: Roy Kelly. Image: Matchroom
