Lewis Ritson is better than he’s ever been.
That is the verdict from the man who knows him best, dad and coach, Davy.
The Ritsons, plus seemingly the population of Forest Hall, are counting down the days until Lewis defends his British lightweight challenger Paul Hyland Jnr in Newcastle on Saturday, June 16.
Lewis went through his final spar last night when he did eight rounds with Tom ‘One Bomb’ Hill in Peterlee.
“For the last 20 months since he came back from Scotland each camp has improved every time,” said Davy ahead of the Matchroom-promoted spectacular at the Metro Radio Arena.
“We keep adding bits to the camp and it’s fantastic when you watch the improvements the have been made.
“Fitness, strength and punching power have all done up and it’s nice to see the progress.
“Lewis puts his heart and soul into this sport, he’s clean living and ultra-dedicated.”
Ritson Snr has been evolving Ritson Jnr’s style, alongside Neil Fannan who has played a key role, not only in this camp but throughout 2018.
Thus far, the coaches have guided him through two blink-and-you’ll-miss-them defences, Joe Murray succumbing in one round and Scotty Cardle in two.
Two of the finest British lightweights have been “demolished” by Ritson’s power but Davy insists if anyone thinks his son is just a one-trick-pony then they are in for a shock.
“When Billy Nelson had him, he had Lewis standing in front of his opponent with his hands up, wearing people down” said the man behind Forest Hall ABC.
“Lewis is a big, strong lightweight and he has demolished people,.
“We want him moving and using his skills as he, hopefully, climbs the ladder.
“I can see his development happening all the time and I can only see him getting better.”
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Hyland will arrive at the Metro Radio Arena in fine fettle, given he is the mandatory challenger with 18 wins under his belt.
The 27-year-old has won two IBF European title bouts while Ritson has been winning at British level, including a 12-round Irish war with Dublin veteran, Stephen Ormand.
“I like Hyland,” said Davy pictured above with his boy. “There was talk of us boxing him in an eliminator in Belfast 20 months ago, but that didn’t come off.
“He’s a good boxer, but I don’t think he’s fought anyone like Lewis, someone who applies the pressure he does or has the ring presence.
“He always seems to make opponents change their game-plan – you can’t really change Lewis’s game-plan.
“They know he’s coming and no-one’s been able to do anything about it.
“I do think Paul will box out of his skin and it could be a great fight.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
