Lewis Ritson hopes his dazzling run of domestic form is “just the beginning” of his time at the top of the sport.
The 24-year-old Geordie will defend his British lightweight title against Scotty Cardle at the O2 in London on Saturday, March 24.
This capital show, screened live on Sky Sports, is the biggest night of his career as his bout supports Dillian Whyte’s WBC Silver heavyweight title match with Lucas Browne.
“I’ve been on small hall shows in the past and now I’m headlining on Sky Sports and heading to The O2 on a big show – it’s amazing and I’m working hard to make sure that this is just the beginning,” said ‘The Sandman’.
Ritson v Cardle had been pencilled in for last month in Manchester, but with the Lancashire lad ruled out, Joe Murray instead stepped in.
The challenger was taken apart inside the first round and now the Forest Hall fighter faces the former champion in his first fight in London.
“I’ve made a couple of statements now by beating Barrett and then Murray – and I want to do it again against Cardle,” said Ritson.
“We wanted the Cardle fight in Manchester but he pulled out.
“Scotty wants the title back and he’s in a similar position to Joe Murray was where he really needs to win the fight but if he gets beat, where does he go?
“So that should make it a really good fight.”
The heavyweight confrontation tops the bill while Frank Buglioni defends his British light-heavyweight title against Callum Johnson.
Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.theO2.co.uk. VIP tickets priced £200 are exclusively available from http://www.matchroomboxing.com
Face value tickets for March 24 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
