Fighting hometown hero will not faze Lewis Ritson against Joe Murray

Lewis Ritson will not be fazed by boxing on away territory in the maiden defence of his British lightweight championship.

While the 24-year-old will be in the home corner on the Matchroom show this evening at the Victoria Warehouse ring, he must defend his crown in the backyard of his challenger, Manchester’s Joe Murray.

Will it be a problem for the undefeated Newcastle fighter?

“I don’t think so,” he told punch-lines.

“Most of the crowd will be with Joe, but that won’t affect me.

“I’ve been used to travelling away all over the country in the amateurs and I won the title down here.

“The crowd can’t help him, it’s just me and him in there.

“I feel good, quite laid back, I’m ready to go.”

Indeed, Ritson cut a relaxed, and fit, figure ahead of the first JD NXTGEN event of the year, which will be screened live on Sky Sports.

The Forest Hall fighter tipped the scales at 9st 7lbs 9oz, a pound ighter than Murray’s 9st 8lbs 4oz.

“I really can’t wait to get in there and do the job,” said Ritson, who will have dad, Davey, and Neil Fannan in his corner tonight.

“Joe might say it’s short notice, but we’re professional athletes. We should be in the gym and ready to go when required – It’s our job.

“The fight has been brewing since last year, Joe said I’d knock Robbie Barrett out, but then he would knock me out – I like that part of Joe. He’s passionate and it shows in his interviews.

“We’ll see if he can back up his words but I don’t see it.”

Murray has lost only twice in his excellent career, to Liam, Walsh on both occasions, and has won eight in a row, including four at tonight’s venue.

“He’s in good form,” added Lewis. “He’s only been beaten twice, both by the same kid who’s gone on to fight for a world title.

“I think our game-plan will work and we’ll have too much for him.”

Eddie Hearn has assembled a packed bill including Jordan Gill v Jason Cunningham in an eliminator for the British featherweight title, while Natasha Jonas continues her path to a world title shot when she faces Karina Kopinska.

Words: Roy Kelly        Picture: Mark Robinson