Lewis Ritson insists he is ready to rise to the “challenge” Henry Lundy will present when he makes his ring return on October 16.
The 28-year-old says he declined several other potential candidates in order to “come back with a test” in Newcastle against the former world title challenger.
Ritson lost heavily at the Vertu Motors Arena back in June where South America’s version of ‘The Sandman’, Jeremias Ponce stopped him late on in their IBF work light-welterweight title eliminator.
Lundy, who has won 31 of his 40 appearances, including 14 inside the distance, presents a danger to the Geordie hero and that’s how he wants it.
While 37, the Philadelphian would still appear to be at the top of his game, having gone 10 rounds with fellow American Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver light-welterweight championship in May.
Ritson wants a chance to impress and move back up the world ratings and not just blow away a lesser opponent
He is excited to box in front of a huge Utilita Arena crowd again too.
“It’s great to be back live on Sky Sports and in my home city and I can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd,” said Ritson.
“I wanted to come back with a test and Lundy will definitely provide that.
“Apart from Ponce, he will be the hardest fighter that I’ve fought.
“We got offered a fighter a few levels below Lundy but I wanted a challenge and to put a great fight on for the fans.
“Lundy is a very dangerous opponent.
“He gave Terrance Crawford a good go, he’s only been stopped twice – by Crawford and John Molina – and he’s just fought the world number two in his last fight [Zepeda], took him to points and wobbled the lad quite badly.
“It’s definitely going to be a hard night’s work on October 16 but we wanted to jump straight back into the mix with an opponent who is very experienced at world level.
“I didn’t want to offer the fans an underwhelming fight which would have them giving me stick on social media!”
Ritson v Lundy is part of the second of the series of shows presented by BOXXER and Sky Sports.
Lewis’s North-East neighbour, Savannah Marshall, makes the second defence of her WBO world middleweight crown, the Hartlepool girl meeting unbeaten African Lolita Muzeya.
The Silent Assassin’s stablemate, Hughie Fury, faces the dangerous Christian Hammer at heavyweight.
Some of the North-East’s most promising talent are also in action, including giant Gateshead heavyweight, Steve ‘USSR’ Robinson, unbeaten Middlesbrough cruiser, Michael Webster, and undefeated Wallsend star, April Hunter.
Two of Birtley ABC’s incredible conveyor belt of talent, Mark Dickinson and Georgia O’Connor, will make their professional debuts.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
