Lewis Ritson insists that there is “no reason” why a North East show cannot take place this year, with himself and Wearside fighter Josh Kelly topping the bill.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Ritson emphasised that he is looking to take boxing “home” to the North East in the not-so-distant future, and has talked up the prospect of being joined alongside the hugely talented Josh Kelly.
“To win the British [title] outright on a big card at home in Newcastle would be amazing,” said the fighter from Forest Hall.
“I’m getting a lot more attention up there now so it would be great to bring a show home.
“With Josh Kelly as well, if we get through our fights, there’s no reason why Eddie [Hearn] won’t have us both on a North East show. The fans are great and if we can sell out the arena, I’m sure we will be back time and again”.
Ritson must ensure that he defends the British Lightweight Title he emphatically won from Robbie Barrett in Manchester, against the talented Scott Cardle to make his homecoming bout come true.
As for Kelly, he faces Carlos Molina for the WBA International Welterweight strap after just five fights on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight unification clash against Joseph Parker in Cardiff.
As Ritson looks to improve on his perfect 14-0 record, he has labelled some future names that he would like to face in the North East to win the Lonsdale belt outright:
“Paul Hyland Jr is my mandatory so he would probably be next or you have the Sean Dodd vs Tommy Coyle winner. The lightweight division is packed so there’s no shortage of options.”
The last major fight staged in the North East was a rematch between Liam Williams and Liam Smith in a title eliminator for the WBO super-middleweight title.
Since being signed for Matchroom by Eddie Hearn after the Barrett fight, Ritson has successfully defended his belt once against Joe Murray in Manchester last month.