Robbie Davies Jnr applauded going through the ropes on Tyneside. Just what is going on?
It is true, when Lewis Ritson’s opponent in Saturday’s WBA world light-welterweight climbed in and out of the ring at the pubic work-out at the Metro Centre, there was only warmth.
Requests for autographs and selfies followed, but come Saturday night he will be the pantomime villain at the Utilita Arena.
The WBA’s world number seven puts his ranking on the line against arch rival Ritson in Bad Blood where 9,000-plus fans will be baying for his blood.
However, the Liverpool boxer insists coming to his enemy’s backyard IS the right decision for his career.
“I’m taking the higher risk, there is no doubt about that,” the 30-year-old told punch-lines.
“But at my stage of my career, what do I do? Sit on the fence for a year and hope I get a world title fight?
“It’s not like I’m number one with the WBA or IBF, yes I’m in the rankings but I’m sure their champions will take easier fights than me.
“I needed a fight like this to build my profile.
“Lewis has built his profile on the back of what he did at lightweight and he absolutely blew away the division.
“My career before I signed for Matchroom was only so-so, but while I’m now moving quickly, people still have not seen the best of me.
“People were saying ‘why are you going to Newcastle?’, because it’s the fight I need.
“As long as I go in there 100 per cent, box to the best of my ability, that’s all that matters and I think that’s enough to get me through.”
Credit indeed to the former British, Commonwealth and European champion for coming to the North-East.
And he believes there will be a fair and proper decision come Saturday night.
“There is no issue for me where I fight,” he explained. “I know there are some fighters who refuse to go to the other man’s back garden but that’s not me.
“I can’t believe for one minute that when there are two British lads in the ring that you’ll see British refs and officials rip anyone off.
“Once we are in the ring, regardless of how loud the crowd are, who’s cheering for who, the only thing that matters is who wins on the night in that ring.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
