Ruthless Lewis Ritson needed less than two minutes to retain his British lightweight title in his maiden defence against Joe Murray.
The 24-year-old downed the challenger twice in the opening round in Manchester and while Murray got up on both occasions, when he rained in more powerful shots, referee Howard Foster stepped in at the one minute, 59 seconds mark.
It was an incredible performance in the Victoria Warehouse from the Newcastle fighter who had won the title just across the city at the Manchester Arena against Robbie Barrett last October.
This stunner against Murray was even better, give the Manchester fighter’s credentials.
Ritson told punch-lines ahead of the tasty voluntary defence that he was unsure which Joe would turn up.
As it was, the hometown fighter was revved up and came out looking for an early finish himself.
But all that went out of the window when he was decked by a thumping left hook to the body. He was just up by nine but clearly in trouble and moments later, a right from Ritson to the chin hurt him and a volley of punches saw him go down again.
The brave 31-year-old got to his feet again but the writing was on the wall and that final attack prompted Mr Foster to make the correct call and end the bout.
That took Ritson to 14 straight wins (eight inside the distance) while Murray’s record is still an impressive 23-3.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
