The only way is Essex for the North-East’s leading light.
Lewis Ritson is half way through a stint at the Matchroom gym where he is building towards an eagerly-anticipated second appearance in Newcastle on Saturday, October 13, when he faces Francesco Patera.
And the 25-year-old has produced his “best ever” spar at the Brentwood HQ of top trainer Tony Sims.
Neil Fannan, who coaches ‘The Sandman’ alongside Lewis’s dad, Davy Ritson, says all is going to plan in the countdown to the England v Belgium battle for the vacant European lightweight title.
Yesterday, Ritson put in 10 “top quality” rounds with two of the Matchroom stable, Commonwealth lightweight champ, Joe Cordina, and Ricky Burns, one of Britain’s greats.
“Lewis did 10 good rounds last Friday against Sam Bowen,” Fannan told punch-lines.
“He did 10 top quality rounds yesterday, when he really looked the real deal.
“When he finished he said ‘that’s the best I’ve ever sparred’.
“They were his words not mine, but I’m not going to disagree, it’s great watching him get better every day.”
Ritson loves being at home in Newcastle but Fannan says a trip to Essex has proved a highly productive exercise.
“We’re here til Saturday,” said Neil.”We came down Tuesday when we just loosened off really.
“We sparred yesterday, will train today and spar tomorrow before coming home on Saturday.
“Lewis is attending the big British Boxing Board of Control awards dinner on Friday night.
“It’s been good to make a trip of it and get some great work in here at the Matchroom gym.”
Ritson goes up against a clutch of world champions in the best boxer section at the BBBC bash.
He is nominated alongside Ryan Burnett, George Groves, Anthony Joshua, Billy Joe Saunders, Josh Taylor and Josh Warrington.
“It’s a tough category when you look who’s in it,” added Fannan. “But Lewis has had an incredible 12 months and he deserves his place in there.”
Tickets are selling quickly for the Metro Radio Arena event which also features Glenn Foot v Robbie Davies and Joshua Buatsi, plus a bundle of North-East talent, like Joe Laws, Lawrence Osueke, Simon Vallily and Tommy Ward.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
