Lewis Ritson’s Toon Army will act as a spur rather than a scare to IBF rival Jeremias Ponce.
The Argentine is in Newcastle where he faces the hometoon hero over 12 rounds in a final eliminator for the international Boxing Federation’s light-welterweight title.
It will be Matchroom’s first UK show with spectators since the Coronavirus crisis hit these shores but Ponce is not concerned about the wall of noise just 1,000 fans will create inside the Vertu Motors Arena.
The 24-year-old (right) is making a rare sortie outside his homeland, but is quick to tell us he has won away before in the past and plans to do so here.
“Having a crowd in the arena will motivate me even more,” said the undefeated 24-year-old.
“I’m used to these types of fights and being the away fighter.
“I’ve been the away fighter in Germany when the whole of the crowd was against me.
“I was the away fighter in Naples, Italy when all the fans were against me. I’m used to that and it really will spur me on even more.”
Ponce arrives on Tyneside with a perfect 27-fight record – 17 of those wins coming early, including his two Argentinian light-welterweight title successes.
But his best two results have come In Europe, outpointing Rico Mueller for the IBO world title in Germany and stopping Francesco Lomasto inside nine rounds for the IBF Intercontinental belt in Italy in an earlier visit to the northern hemisphere.
That number of stoppages is an impressive figure and he says he’ll be looking to make it an 18th stoppage triumph in Ritson’s back yard.
“I go all out for the win,” said Ponce.
“I try to leave nothing to chance. I always look for the knockout.
“This is a huge opportunity for me, if not the biggest in my career. I’ve trained with that mindset, thinking about this being the biggest moment in my career.
“I think it’s a dream for any boxer to go on and win a world title, and to face a fighter like Josh Taylor would be a dream come true.
I’m 100per cent confident that I can add myself to the list of South Americans that have caused upsets in the UK.
“I’m going to go all out to win.”
Ponce has full respect for the Forest Hall hero and has not read too much into the Sandman’s difficult night with Miguel Vazquez in Peterborough in October when he came away with a disputed split decision victory.
“I think Lewis Ritson is a very good boxer,” said the South American champion.
“He’s very quick and he has a very high output.
“We’ve worked hard looking for ways to counter that. I think we’ll be able to do that.
“Both styles will definitely clash which will mean it will be a great fight.
“I think the Miguel Vazquez fight was just a really bad night for him.
” I have also had bad nights before – I don’t think it takes anything away from him.
“I think he’s still a really good boxer and it will be a very tough night for the both of us.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
