Ritson vs Patera Preview

Ritson vs Patera Preview

By Matthew Dean 

Lewis Ritson (17-0-0. 11KOs) will headline the main stage again at the Newcastle Metro Arena on Saturday 13th October. His opponent Francesco Patera (29-3-0. 7KOs), hailing from Belgium, stands in his way towards the next stage of boxing glory, the EBU Lightweight title.

Staying true to the old-fashioned means of climbing the rankings, Ritson has pummelled, battered and smashed his way to the British title and defended it brilliantly on 3 occasions. Now he is hunting for European success before transitioning to the World stage.

His last 8 fights, stoppage wins, 4 of these not even reaching the 4th round opening bell. His explosive punching power makes him a genuine force at any level and greater achievements will surely follow provided he gets through this challenge. His opponent however has previously held the European belt and has never been stopped. Ritson and his team are confident they can change this but make no mistake Patera will be coming to these shores to win.

Ritson acknowledged Patera looks confident and won’t run away so he and his team anticipate an exciting fight against a real threat and Ritson knows he needs to be at his best to get past him. Patera will also not be troubled as he has previously fought in the UK against Sean Dodd for the WBC International belt in 2016. He lost that encounter on a split decision but is coming off the back of 3 wins from his last 4 fights.

Questions will always be asked if any fighter who do rarely goes the distance. Can they complete 12 rounds? Will they still be able to offload their punches? What will the punch resistance be at 1.00 minute remaining of round 12 but Ritson is a consummate professional. He is also fighting in front of his Newcastle fans and he will go all out for the fans.

Prediction, I expect that Ritson takes a few rounds to figure out how to stop Patera and watch for a late stoppage.

On the undercard, there are some interesting matchups

Chief support is Robbie Davies Jr (16-1-0. 12KOs) vs Glenn Foot (23-3-0. 7KOs). The vacant British title is on the line as well as Foot’s Commonwealth Super Lightweight titles.

Foot is a massive underdog coming into the fight yet he is relishing the challenge. He mentions past opponents who underestimated him – Josh Leather and Jason Easton. Leather was a controversial loss with many believing Foot had won or at least merited a closer decision than he was awarded by the judges. Easton was stopped in the 11th round, undoubtedly his best night so far. Foot has a fan friendly style and says he hopes Davies comes to fight on the night.

Davies Jr’s team are also predicting that this is the time to shine and make his name as a potential champion of the future. They aren’t underestimated the challenge posed and know it will be the best Glenn Foot in the ring on fight night. It would only be fitting however that Davies Jr achieved glory himself, with his father having represented Great Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

This is certainly an intriguing battle between 2 fighters eager to shine on the bigger stage. Experts and pundits make Davies the favourite but as we all know on the night it could go either way.

Joshua Buatsi (7-0-0. 5KOs) is back in action in a 12 round 1st defence against Frenchman Tony Averlant (36-10-3. 5 KOs). The Rio 2016 Bronze medalist was in devastating form, destroying Andrejs Pokumeiko in the first round earlier this year to claim the vacant WBA International Light Heavyweight title. His promoter Eddie Hearn named him then as the “best prospect in world boxing” and surely his successes will keep on coming.

Although he doesn’t have as much experience and rounds behind him, Averlant should not trouble him significantly. Averlant has held the EBU and the IBF Mediterranean Light Heavyweight straps. However his greatest feat was stopping Artur Hein to win the EBU title. Nonetheless his record in title fights is inconsistent, 11 fights for titles going 5-5-1.

Comparative KO ratios would figure a stoppage by Buatsi 71% against 19%.

Dave Allen (14-4-2. 11KOs) is in the ring against German based Syrian opponent Samir Nebo (10-2-2. 10 KOs) after KO’ing Nick Webb in the 4th last time out. Allen is planning to win this fight in a “devastating fashion”. He is longing to set up a big fight with Lucas Browne before the end of the year so need to make his mark on Saturday night. He announced that none of his fights will ever go the distance again.

His opponent however may have other plans. All of his 10 wins have come via stoppage bur he has also been stopped himself in both of his losses. Allen is confident he can win this and set up greater things with the former WBA champ Browne. He has set himself a target of stoppage by the 4th. This is anyone’s fight although personally I would like to see Allen’s arm raises in triumph at the end.

In other action :

IBF European Super bantamweight champion Thomas Patrick Ward (24-0-0. 3KOs) vs Tom Tran (6-1-0. 1KO)

Anthony Fowler (7-0-0. 6KOs) vs Gabor Gorbics (26-12-0.16KOs)
Super Welterweight

Hosea Burton (21-1-0. 10KOs) vs TBA
Light Heavyweight

Also the professional debut of Scottish Super middleweight John Docherty