It’s fight night and it’s time to see the ‘new’ Lewis Ritson.
Certainly, Team Ritson and his army of fans will be confident of hearing the Master of Ceremonies, David Diamante, announce him as the “new WBA inter-continental super-lightweight champion”.
But it is how the Geordie performs against Argentinian fighter German Argentino Benitez at the Copper Box Arena in London’s Olympic Park in his first crack at light-welterweight which will be more intriguing.
Having blasted away four very good opponents in British lightweight championship sprints, things rather unraveled over a longer race for the vacant European title in Newcastle last October, when Francesco Patera defeated him on a split decision.
It has prompted two significant alterations for ‘The Sandman’ – a move to Hartlepool to train full-time with coach Neil Fannan and this step up to 140 pounds.
“This will be good for the boxing public,” Fannan told punch-lines. “Everyone will be watching to see if he’s as good at light-welter as he was at lightweight.
“I’m confident you will see a better Lewis Ritson and one who’ll hit just as hard.
“But it’s easy me saying it, people will want to see it for themselves.
“For me, the move up a division was the right move and probably the only move.”
That promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom have assembled a titke bout straight away is evidence of the faith they have in the Phil Jeffries-managed boxer.
While his opponent has never fought outside Argentina, Benitez has amassed a very good record of 21-3 with nine stoppage wins with only one of his defeats coming early.
He is the WBO’s Latino light-welter champ and the 27-year-old certainly did not look fazed either at Thursday’s media conference or Friday’s weigh-in, where he tipped the scales at 9st 13lbs 6oz, just one ounce lighter than the Forest Hall hero.
“I’m glad we’ve got a title fight, Lewis has trained a long time for this,” said Fannan. “He has improved in all areas, his diet, his running, his boxing, there are lots I’ve seen him improve in and all these little things I hope will add up to him being a better Lewis Ritson.
“Lewis is bursting with confidence so we’re looking forward to this.”
It has been over five months since he taped up the gloves against Patera, something of a culture shock to the 25-year-old who had had six fights in the previous 13 months.
“We were offered a warm-up fight,” said Fannan. “But he had a couple of gym fights in New York when he came over for Tommy Ward’s worl;d title eliminator.
“He fought Mikkel LesPierre who went the distance with Maurice Hooker for the world title and Lewis looked good. He’s definitely ready.”
Ritson-Benitez is part of a big bill being screened by Sky Sports, with Charlie Edwards’ maiden defence of the WBC world flyweight title against Angel Moreno the main event.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
