Lewis Ritson unleashes the fireworks but Tommy Ward provides another F-word – finesse.
Should Ritson see off Belgium’s finest, Francesco Patera, on Saturday night to become the European champion, the clamour for ‘The Sandman’ to fight for world honours in the next 12 months will grow ever louder.
However, the man with the same trainer is already one step ahead with Ward having a tune up at the Metro Radio Arena against German’s Tom Tran.
Ward is lined up to fight Mexican Cesar Juarez next in an IBF world super-bantamweight championship eliminator, with the winner getting a crack at new champ TJ Doheny.
He is rated at seven with the IBF, even higher with the WBO at four and 11th with the WBC.
It’s exciting times for the unbeaten 24-year-old who’s had as many wins as he’s had birthdays.
Trained in Hartlepool by Neil Fannan, the man who coaches Forest Hall hitman Lewis, along with Ritson’s dad, Davy, and managed by Dave Garside, Ward is brimming with ability and confidence.
“It’s a good show for Tommy to be fighting on, good for his profile and it keeps things moving for him nicely,” said Garside, who told punch-lines how the West Rainton star’s IBF European title win over Alvaro Rodriguez in July merely confirmed his class.
“Tommy showed fantastic boxing ability, he was magic, I enjoyed every minute of it.
“Ability wise there’s not a better boxer in the country.
“I’ve yet to see anyone who I think could out-box Tommy.
“When he fought Jazza Dickens for the British title, Tommy won every round and Dickens was so frustrated, he hit him with the head!
“He couldn’t cope with his skills Tommy showed.
“Under Neil, he’s even better now and he’s up at the top with all the major world governing bodies.”
The NE Security-sponsored 122lb star must get past Tran first on his debut appearance on a Matchroom event. There can be no slip-ups this evening, but Garside has total faith.
“He’s two fights from a world title,” said the ex-British and Commonwealth heavyweight and cruiser title challenger.
“Ritson’s got great power but Tommy’s got the skill, but you can see Lewis improving all the time and I think we’ll see both on top of the world.”
Ward weighed in dead on 9st at the Metro Centre today with Tran, who boasts a record of six wins and just one loss, weighed in half a stone lighter.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
