Lewis Ritson is already the king of Great Britain – now is the time to conquer the continent.
The unbeaten Geordie terminator will challenge for the vacant European lightweight title in front of his beloved Toon Army on Saturday, October 13, when he faces Francesco Patera at the Metro Radio Arena.
A European championship confrontation had always been mooted for the 24-year-old though that looked in doubt given belt holder Edis Tatli defended his crown less than three weeks ago against Frank Urquiaga.
But the Finland fighter has abdicated, opening the path for Ritson to meet Patera as Matchroom make a quick return to Newcastle following title wins for ‘The Sandman’ and Josh Kelly in June.
Given the way Ritson has destroyed three top-level challengers to his Lonsdale Belt in a mere four rounds, he will start hot favourite against he Belgian.
But the man in the Forest Hall fighter’s corner has warned against any excessive confidence.
“My honest opinion?” said trainer Neil Fannan. “Patera looks very useful.
“There were three men in the frame for the European title. Edis Tatli, the mandatory challenger Marvin Petit and Francesco Patera.
“I’ve watched all three and, in my view, there is very little between them.
“Tatli has just given it up after retaining it again and Petit has stepped aside. I don’t know whether he has an injury or doesn’t want to fight Lewis at this time.
“But I know Patera is decent. He’s been away to Finfland and won in Tatli’s back yard so fighting away won’t bother him.
“He was beaten by Edis in the re-match but the lad is decent.
“If I was pushed I’d say Tatli might just have the edge on the other two because he’s done nine 12-rounders.
“But don’t think that Paneta is anything but useful.”
The World Boxing Council’s Mediterranean title holder has an impressive record of 19 victories (seven inside the distance) against only three losses, all in title affairs.
Ritson, meanwhile, has a perfect log of 16 wins, with 10 finishing early, including all seven since returning from Scotland to the North-East where he is managed by Phil Jeffries (pictured above celebrating June’s win over Paul Hyland Jnr).
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, the day in which Ritson and Paneta will come face-to-face at a media conference in Newcastle.
Fannan, who trains the Geordie alongside Lewis’s dad, Davy, says the level of interest in the boxer has “gone through the roof”.
He told punch-lines: “I expect the tickets to go quickly, there have been a lot of orders already and we’ve not even got them yet.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
