Benitez urges fans to get behind Ritson
NEWCASTLE United manager Rafa Benitez has called for Geordies to get behind British champion Lewis Ritson ahead of his title defence in Tyneside on June 16.
Ritson defends his lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jr at the Metro Radio Arena, co-headlining the Matchroom Boxing show with Rio Olympian Josh Kelly.
Ritson, of Forest Hall, has been on a roll of late, claiming his British title by beating Robbie Barrett before steamrollering through the challenges of Joe Murray and Scott Cardle.
Hyland Jr’s challenge will be his third defence, meaning he will keep the coveted Lord Lonsdale strap outright if he is victorious.
Ritson was special guest at St James’ Park on Saturday as Newcastle United played West Brom. And although the result on the day did not go the Magpies’ way, Benitez was still happy to meet with Ritson and pose for pictures with his title belt.
The Newcastle manager is a known fan of boxing and used an old Mike Tyson anecdote: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”, in one of his early Newcastle press conferences when analysing their form.
And he was happy to engage with Lewis and discuss the art of the sweet science, with Ritson saying afterwards: “Great to meet Rafa today. He was great crack and really down to earth. Thanks Steve Wraith for sorting it out.”
Benitez, meanwhile, called for Geordies to get behind Ritson on June 16.
The Toon boss said: “It was great to meet and talk to Lewis. I enjoy boxing and (Muhammad) Ali was my idol. All the Geordies get behind Lewis on June 16. We know how much their support helps.”
Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn has announced five fights for the Newcastle show so far – all title fights. As well as RitsonHyland, Josh Kelly, Stuart Hall and Simon Vallily will be on the card, along with South Shields’ Anthony Nelson-Charlie Edwards.
Tickets are on sale now and are available from the arena website, Stubhub and Ticketmaster.