It would be the mother of Tyne-Wear derbies.
The intense rivalry between Newcastle United and Sunderland has long gone cold on the football field but it could be about to hot up in boxing … if the price is right.
Talk of a Josh Kelly v Lewis Ritson showdown was mooted before, during and after the return of ‘the Sunderland star who beat experienced Hungarian Peter Kramer on Channel 5 last weekend.
Such speculation looked fanciful given the many factors working against it, rival promoters for one thing, with Ritson with Probellum and Kelly under the Sauerland umbrella, who are set to headline the 28-year-old in Newcastle on Friday, July 29 on C5.
Weight though seemed the biggest obstacle with ‘The Sandman’ looking to regain his world ranking at light-welterweight and ‘Pretty Boy’ setting his sights on challenging at light-middle, or super-welter if that’s how you like it.
In short, a stone separates the two North-East neighbours and that’s a significant difference.
But Kelly having heard promoter Kalle Sauerland wax lyrical about his super-welter ambitions, then deliciously teased that he was not averse to boxing “at 147 if big fights, big money, big titles” were on offer.
Sauerland did talk of “being creative” as a promoter with Kelly referring to it as a “stadium fight” and now Team Ritson have reacted to the talk.
Phil Jeffries, an old friend of the Kelly family, is the Sunderland manager of Toon hero Ritson, and says the Forest Hall fighter would go into battle at 147lbs … on one condition.
“If the money suits,” Jaffa told punch-lines.
“We’re not bothered where it’s at, it could be the Town Moor [in Newcastle] or Barnes Park [Sunderland] as long as we’re paid.
“It’s about two things – 147 and pound notes.”
Kelly and Ritson, former comrades from their Matchroom and Sky days, are both eying returns to the big stage after painful defeats.
Lewis is on his way back from a late stoppage loss to Jeremias Ponce 12 months ago in an IBF world title eliminator and has since beaten Christian Uruzquieta and ex-WBC champ Dejan Zlaticanin, the latter a particularly impressive display.
For Josh, his win over Kramer were his first confident steps in the ring since losing for the first time, in six rounds to David Avanesyan in a challenge for the Armenian’s European title.
“It’s good to see Josh back,” added Jaffa. “I speak a lot to his dad, me and Paul have been friends a lot of years.”
While you wouldn’t wager a lot of money on the fight coming off, it is not impossible either. It’s essentially a no-lose situation for both fighters, who could command a big payday at a neutral weight knowing they could return to campaign in their own divisions.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson
