Lewis Ritson will still live up to his nickname ‘The Sandman’ in his new division.
That is the confident prediction of the coach of the British lightweight champion following the announcement of his move up to light-welter.
Neil Fannan insists the Newcastle fighter will hit just as hard at 10 stone and is looking forward to seeing his debut at the weight in London on Saturday, March 23.
It all means Ritson’s reign as British lightweight champ is over – he had been due to defend the belt for the fourth time at the Copper Box Arena against Wakefield’s Andy Townend.
In one respect the news comes as no surprise – the Forest Hall favourite has had to strip down to his birthday suit to make the 9st 9lb limit on the scales ahead of his bouts with Paul Hyland and Francesco Patera.
But, to another degree, it is a little bit of a shock given Team Ritson had spoke of remaining at lightweight and being able to make the weight because Lewis had admitted to cutting a corner or two in his preparations and in his diet.
“We’d made up our minds when we came back from America,” Fannan told punch-lines. “But we needed to talk it through with [promoter] Eddie Hearn and inform the [Btitish Boxing] Board [of Control].
“His dad, Davy, had expressed a few concerns [about staying at lightweight] and while we were away, Lewis looked great against WBO light-welterweight challenger, Mikkel LesPierre, and that helped the decision.
“I do believe Lewis will take his power up into the next division, he will be hitting just as hard as he’s ever done.
“The way Lewis fights, his style needs him to be full of energy, so moving up to light-welter is the sensible decision.”
Ritson will move up to 140lbs with an outstanding record of 17 wins (11 inside the distance, including four in British title fights) against just one defeat, a split-decision loss to Patera for the vacant European belt last time out in Newcastle.
No opponent has been selected yet for the Phil Jeffries-managed star’s appearance on the undercard of Charlie Edwards’ maiden defence of his WBC Flyweight title against Angel Moreno at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on March 23.
Matchroom have set out a packed card which includes a North v South British title affair at light-heavy between Cumbria’s Liam Conroy and Olympic bonze medallist, Josua Buatsi, and an all-London British and Commonwealth cruiserweight showdown between Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
