RITSON PACKS REAL PUNCH
Factory snub inspires Geordie ace
LEWIS RITSON has become one of Britain’s most exciting prospects over the last 12 months.
But a year ago the Newcastle lightweight was quitting boxing to pack parts in local factories.
Ritson, 24, upset Robbie Barrett in October to claim the British title and land a promotional deal with Matchroom Sport.
The Geordie fighter has since gone on to beat Joe Murray and Scott Cardle on away turf and now returns home to defend his belt against Paul Hyland Jnr tonight at Metro Radio Arena.
As talk of European and world challenges gathers pace, Ritson reveals he has two factories to thank for not bothering to respond to his CV.
“It’s been mad,” said Ritson, who is unbeaten in 15 fights.
“A year ago I was on about quitting and looking for factory work. It’s been a good ride but it’s been mad at the same time.
“I was extremely close to quitting. I handed in two CVs but they never got back to me. That’s the only reason I kept fighting.
Bond
“It was a bit of luck for not getting the jobs. Maybe one day those factories will be able to say they turned down a world champion.”
If Ritson remains unbeaten tonight, he will win the British title outright and get to keep the famous Lonsdale Belt.
And if that happens, it will find a home with his dad, Dave, in return for all his help in and outside of the ring.
The father-and-son pair grew close after Ritson’s mother passed away when he was only six due to brain tumours.
And their bond got stronger when Ritson joined his dad’s boxing club in Forest Hall as a teenager.
“We are in the gym together twice a day, we are more like best mates than father and son,” said Ritson.
“My dad remarried and I got another mam now but he did raise me. It was tough but he helped us get through it all.
“That is what has made the bond so close between us.
“I want that belt for him. I said to him, ‘If I get this belt, it’s yours and not mine’.
“Every belt I get from boxing will go to him.
“If I win, the belt will be on his mantelpiece and not mine.”