Lewis Ritson gets European Title Shot

Lewis Ritson gets European Title Shot

By Michael Richards 

Eddie Hearn has confirmed Lewis Ritson will face Belgian Lightweight Francisco Patera for the European Belt on 13th October, at the Metro Radio Arena in Ritson’s hometown of Newcastle.

The card is now taking serious shape, with Foot vs Davies Jr already confirmed for the British and Commonwealth Super Lightweight belts, along with appearances from cult hero Dave Allen and the most exciting of all up and coming British prospects, Joshua Buatsi.

The ever improving “Sandman” has blown away British level opponents over the last 10 months, on his way to winning the Lonsdale Belt outright and will be keen to show his ability against the former European Champion in front of his ever increasing fan base.

Patera will be seen as a step up from anyone Ritson has faced before, with him having an impressive victory against Edis Tatli on his record and the fact he’s never been stopped in his 22 fights. However, on his only other previous trip to the UK, he fell short, losing a split decision against Birkenhead’s Sean “Masher” Dodd.

Ritson’s meteoric rise through the domestic lightweight division, has been nothing short of exemplary. Defeating defending British Champion Robbie Barrett started things off, with his impressive and refined power evident, dropping him four times before the towel was thrown in. Since then, Joe Murray, Scott Cardle and Paul Hyland Jr have suffered at the hands of Ritson, with all being stopped before the end of the second round.

The question is, can he take this form into the upper echelons of a division stacked full of talent and pound for pound ranked boxers in Lomachenko and Mikey Garcia. That remains to be seen, but should he win the European belt, plenty of big nights await the North East man.