Is Lewis Ritson able to relax tonight?
It may seem a strange question relating to a man who gets hit on the head for a living, but bear with me.
But after four British lightweight championship wins inside the last 12 months (and, incidentally inside 12 rounds) it would appear that an eight-round international match in Birmingham with Oscar Amador carries no pressure.
Ritson’s coaches though are looking for a performance from the 24-year-old ahead of the October 13th challenge for the vacant European lightweight title in Newcastle where he faces ex-Euro king, Francesco Patera.
Over the last 12 months, Team Ritson has increased by 20 per cent – and what a 20 per cent – after Neil Fannan has been added to the set-up.
The Ritsons, Lewis and dad Davy, knew an extra dimension was needed and Fannan was duly to asked to come on board and he accepted.
Lewis now splits his time between his dad’s Forest Hall gym and Fannan’s Hartlepool HQ which has produced a series of champions, like Michael Hunter, Martin and Tommy Ward, Argie Ward (no relation) and Kevin ‘The Bulldog’ Bennett.
Fannan wants to see ‘The Sandman’ build on the good work from the Lonsdale Belt-clinching first-round slaying of Paul Hyland Jnr in June when the bell rings at Arena Birmingham at 7.35pm.
“I was over the moon with the way he boxed last time,” Fannan told punch-lines.
“I wasn’t over the moon with the way he boxed against Joe Murray or Scotty Cardle.”
That is some statement from Fannan given Murray was gone inside three minutes and Cardle in not much longer.
But the trainer is setting high standards and saw them met against the previously-unbeaten Northern Irishman.
“Lewis was controlled, he boxed to orders,” added Fannan (pictured right with Team Ritson on the picture at the top), who was impressed by the measured approach before the ruthless conclusion.
“Paul’s a good boxer but I think he panicked a bit, he was a little bit like a rabbit caught in the headlights, his fighting instinct kicked in ad told him to have a go.
“But you watch Lewis, he was controlled and what impressed me most was the way he avoided a lot of Paul’s shots.”
Enjoy another look at Lewis Ritson against Paul Hyland Jnr here.
It is hard to see tonight’s visitor from Nicaragua engaging in a shoot-out.
While his record is not stunning, 10 wins and seven defeats, like the Phil Jeffries-managed fighter he’s a young fella and reputedly a tough one.
“I’m just looking to see Lewis box to orders and box well,” said Fannan. “He’s looked well in the gym and gets better and better by the day.”
Amir Khan’s clash with Samuel Vargas tops the big Matchroom show, which is live on Sky Sports.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
