Ruthless Lewis Ritson just loves the early finish.
The British lightweight champion thumped Scotty Cardle to a second-round defeat at the O2 in his second quickfire defence.
Having needed less than a round to demolish Joe Murray in Manchester in is maiden defence last month, this match in the capital looked a trickier test, especially given Cardle’s pedigree.
Indeed, the way the challenger, from Lytham, set out in London, it looked as though he was in a hurry himself, catching the Newcastle fighter with several accurate head shots early.
But, for all he chucked at Ritson in his first-round onslaught, he could not trouble the champ.
And he was made to pay as early as the second session as Ritson went to work in decisive fashion.
He hurt Cardle with a volley to the head, but it was a thunderous left hook which forced the 28-year-old to grab hold of the ropes to prevent him from touching down.
Referee Bob Williams implemented a standing eight count and Ritson knew he had his rival in all sorts of trouble.
The 24-year-old went straight on the attack, wobbling Cardle to the head, prompting his trainer, Joe Gallagher, to throw in the towel with Mr Williams jumping in to end it at two minutes, five seconds of round two.
“It wasn’t easy,” Ritson told punch-lines. “Scotty really came out firing, trying to catch me cold.
“He got a few punches in but he didn’t really hurt me.
“After that first we just said we needed to stay nice and composed and get the job done.
“I hurt him and then got him with a left hook. I knew then it was close [to
the end] and Scotty was out on his feet so his corner threw in the towel.
“I enjoyed my win over Joe, but this was even better. I loved that.”
And one sporting post script to note was after Cardle refused to shake hands at the weigh-in the pay were all smiles afterwards when Scotty congratulated the champ in the dressing rooms.
Words: Roy Kelly. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
