Francesco Patera will be hit by a wall of noise in Newcastle on Saturday night.
The former European champion says he will relish the atmosphere made by Lewis Ritson’s supporters, but he insists that noise is the only thing he plans being struck by.
Patera says he does not intend getting hit by the Toon Army hero’s two granite-like fists when he faces Ritson for the vacant European lightweight title at the Metro Radio Arena.
“It doesn’t bother me, I actually like it when the crowd are against me, “ said the Belgian, ahead of the Matchroom event which is fast moving towards sell-out status.
“It will be a great atmosphere and I can’t wait.”
Unbeaten Ritson will start as favourite after 16 straight wins, including four British title triumphs which have lasted a total of 11 rounds.
‘The Sandman’ does not believe in hanging around with his last three defences all blink-and-you-will-miss-them affairs, against Joe Murray (one round), Scotty Cardle (two) and Paul Hyland Jnr (one).
Patera has seven stoppage wins in a fight log of 19-3 and the 25-year-old, from Genk, told punch-lines that he will use brain not brawn on Tyneside.
While he has great admiration for Ritson, the former Belgian champ says he can’t believe the approaches taken by the British challengers, especially that of Hyland back in June.
“Lewis puts a lot of pressure on but I don’t think the reaction of his opponent was very good,” said Patera. “I won’t be fighting like that.
“I have brains and I’m going to be boxing with my brains, I know what I can do to hurt Ritson.
“Hyland had a brawl and that is Ritson’s area and he was always going to win at that.”
Patera will be arriving on Tyneside this week ahead of the Sky Sports event.
He is well versed in fighting away from home, having won the Euro crown on foreign soil against Edis Tatli last year, only to lose the re-match in Helsinki seven months later.
Previously, he fought out a tight contest with Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd for the World Boxing Council’s International lightweight title in Liverpool in 2016, when the Scouser edged a split decision 96-94 (twice), 95-96
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
