RITSON AND KELLY HOLD THE KEY FOR NORTH EAST BOXING

RITSON AND KELLY HOLD THE KEY FOR NORTH EAST BOXING

By Steve Bilton

At this afternoon’s Newcastle press conference, Eddie Hearn described Matchroom’s weekend’s show as the start of a renaissance for boxing in the North East – yet strictly speaking this would suggest a rebirth and despite many notable fighters coming out of the area over the past twenty years or so, it would be fair to suggest in terms of producing world-class fighters, the region has punched below its weight for too long.

Glenn McCrory’s world IBF cruiserweight success at Stanley Leisure Centre (back in 1989) apart, the North East hasn’t had a boxing figurehead at the very highest level to support. There is little doubt support they would if this weekend’s near sellout is anything to go by.

Boxing is currently riding the crest of a wave and there could be no better time for a local fighter to get this sporting-mad region behind them, cue Lewis Ritson and Josh Kelly.

Ritson stepped up in class last time out to stop Scott Cardle in two rounds in defence of his British lightweight title. He defends again on Saturday against the unbeaten Irishman Paul Hyland Jnr and victory for the Newcastle United fanatic would see him earn the Lonsdale belt outright and have Eddie Hearn surely look to get him a European title challenge.

‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly is rated even higher. His trainer, Adam Booth, describes him as the best talent he has worked with and in only his sixth fight, the Sunderland boxer is challenging for the Commonwealth welterweight title against Aussie Kris George. Talking to those in the know at the press conference today, Kelly is strongly expected to go all the way and a world title challenge wouldn’t be too far away.

Both fighters have declared their dream to fight for world honours at their respective football club’s stadium but first they need to navigate through the domestic scene unscathed, see their profile and fan base widen and then, just maybe, North East boxing fans will have two fighters they can proudly follow – starting with 8,000 at the Metro Arena on Saturday.