Seven days. That’s all it is, seven days before actions will speak louder than words.
There is no doubt a many words have been said about the Lewis Ritson against Robbie Davies showdown in Newcastle on Saturday October, 19.
And a lot of rude words between the two British enemies ahead of the WBA world light-welterweight eliminator.
The pair have squabbled on social media, at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre and at the media conference so the show’s tagline of Bad Blood sums it up perfectly.
Davies admits he may have, inadvertently, started the trouble but intends to have the last word by winning at the Utilita Arena.
The 30-year-old was in conciliatory mood when punch-lines caught up with him and believes all the verbal jousting over the summer might be “best” for all concerned.
“It probably initially started with me on Twitter after a bit of miscommunication between me and my manager,” said the former British, Commonwealth and European champion.
“But if that hadn’t have happened me and Lewis would have been ‘yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir’ shaking hands, being best mates and it would not have caught the imagination like it has.
“If you look at it that way, it’s definitely worked out best for everyone.”
It’s certainly worked out well for the two boxers who are collecting handsome pay-cheques and the huge crowd and TV audience on Sky Sports will too lap it up.
Davies believes he is the more complete article of the two.
But following disparaging comments in Liverpool in the summer about Ritson’s ability and physique – he promised he’d stop the Geordie – the WBA’s number seven spoke in respectful terms of his rival.
The pair have almost identical records, both are 19-1 but Robbie has 13 wins inside the distance to 12 by Lewis.
“I do believe I am the full fighter,” said Davies. ” I can box, I can fight, but those who say Lewis can only fight are doing him a discredit, he can box a bit.
“Lewis favours to fight where I favour to box but that does not mean we can’t do the others.
“Our numbers are the same, the only difference between us is that I’ve been knocking out light-welters and welters, where Lewis has been knocking out lightweights and super-feathers.
“That’s the only difference in the KO ratios. That’s not suggesting Lewis can’t punch, it’s just he’s not been getting punched back by bigger men.
“You always look to find weaknesses in your opponent and I’m sure they’ll be looking the same way about me.
“I’m going into this fight totally confident and hoping it’s a good night for everyone who attends.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Nigel Roddis/ Matchroom
