It’s not what Miguel Vazquez has got left, it’s about what Lewis Ritson brings to the fight.
That was the message from Tony Bellew, the former world cruiserweight champion turned straight-talking media pundit. ‘Bomber’ was speaking on the eve of Ritson’s WBA light-welterweight title defence against ex-world champion Vazquez at Peterborough.
The contest tops the Matchroom bill at the East of England Arena and Bellew threw down the gauntlet to the Geordie to deliver the goods against the Mexican.
“A lot will be determined by how much Ritson wants it,” said the 37-year-old.
“We won’t know what Vazquez has got left if Ritson doesn’t go for him straight from the off.
“For me, it’s all about Ritson.” said the 37-year-old.
“Yes, Vazquez is a faded former world champion, but he’s still very capable, he’s adapted his style over the years to cover up his vulnerabilities.
“By doing that he’s extended his career, like all really good fighters do.
“But is Ritson at this level? Is Ritson at the level Vazquez once was? Is Ritson better than the level Vazquez is currently at?
“The last time Ritson was stepped up, he got beaten by Patera for the European title and that is the top and bottom of it.
“We’re still trying to figure out his level, so Saturday night will be a really good indicator of that.”
Vazquez has won 42 of his 51 fights and has only been stopped twice, the most recent coming in his last world title challenge just under two years ago, against Thulani Mbenge in South Africa.
Ritson has 20 victories against just one defeat, the Sandman reeling off three wins since the loss to Patera, including a stand-out performance 12 months ago this weekend, when the Phil Jeffries-managed star clinched a unanimous points success over Robbie Davies Jnr in Newcastle.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
