Lewis Ritson will have to wait for his tilt at a lightweight unification bout.
Ritson has been matched with Paul Hyland Jnr in the third defence of his British title at the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday, June 16.
It’s not the homecoming bout the Geordie wanted.
Ritson, who has reeled off quickfire blitzes of Joe Murray and Scotty Cardle in his two defences in the last two months, had fancied tackling the winner of Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd-Lee Appleyard bout.
The Commonwealth pair don’t box until Saturday, April 21, so that particular tussle is going to have to wait for another day for the Sandman.
Ritson will face fellow unbeaten lightweight, Hyland, in Newcastle on the Matchroom show who will also parade new WBA international welterweight champ, Josh Kelly on the Sky Sports-screened event.
Hyland has won all 17 of his contests, six inside the distance, a fair record, though trumped by the reigning champion who has won nine of his 15 victories early.
The Belfast boxer is the reigning IBF European lightweight belt holder and has not boxed since squeezing past fellow Irishman, Stephen Ormand, in his last defence back in October.
‘Hylo’ has not boxed since, not like Ritson who has hammered Murray inside a round and Cardle, in two, in 2018.
Ritson’s manager, Phil Jeffries, said: “Lewis did mention after his last fight about boxing the winner of Dodd and Appleyard, but the British Boxing Board of Control made Hyland the mandatory challenger.
“Hyland has earned his shot and he’s a very worthy opponent who will not be taken lightly.
“It was always going to be a great occasion, whoever Lewis was going to box.
“Victory on June 16 and the Lonsdale Belt is his to keeps and it will be special him doing that in front of his own fans.”
Words: Roy Kelly
