Watching his distance and going the distance.
Those will be the dual targets for Francesco Patera when the bell goes for Saturday’s clash with Lewis Ritson for the vacant European lightweight title.
The Belgian has cut a cool, composed figure in the build-up to his confrontation with the unbeaten Newcastle star at the Metro Radio Arena.
And he hopes to carry that into the ring and take Ritson to two places he has never experienced, the bell for the 12th rounds and defeat.
‘The Sandman’ has made mincemeat of all his British title challengers, Joe Murray, Scott Cardle and Paul Hyland, all top operators have failed to make it beyond round two.
Patera plans to take Ritson beyond those initial stages and into areas his fellow 25-year-old has never known.
“I think it will work in my favour, we’ll see how he fights after these [early rounds],” said the ex-European Champion who has been 12 rounds on four occasions.
“I feel confident I can get the victory.
“We know he’s going to come forward, he’s a good fighter and has power.
“That means we have to stay smart, we have a game-plan.”
Patera plans to avoid trading with the home Toon hero, so does that mean the Belgian will have to move well?
“I’ll have to do everything well,” the 25-year-old told punch-lines with a smile.
Patera, who wore an Internazionale jersey for his public work-out last night, has a ‘been there, done it’ T-shirt.
This is the man who went to Finland to beat European champion Edis Tatli (though the Finn regained his belt in a re-match) and fiought out a 10-round cracker with Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd in Liverpool for the World Boxing Council’s International lightweight title.
“I felt great against Tatli, I did the 12 rounds easy,” he said. “I thought I won there as well and I took that fight at short notice.
“Every time I box for a title, it’s in the other guy’s home, so I’m used to it.
“I’ve had a great camp for this, I’ve trained really hard and I’m happy now the fight is here.”
Words: Roy Kelly Pictures: Jennifer Charlton
