Lewis Ritson wants to defend his British title against Commonwealth champion Sean Dodd
Wednesday 11 October 2017 18:07, UK
Lewis Ritson wants the first defence of his British title to be against Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd and the 24-year-old is happy to travel to Liverpool for the fight.
Ritson impressed as he destructively took out Robbie Barrett on Saturday night to claim the Lonsdale belt and the Newcastle man has since signed a mutli-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
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'The Sandman' wants to continue his rise and has set winning the British title outright as his primary objective, but also admits that if he can add Birkenhead Dodd's Commonwealth strap to his collection then even better.
"Outside world level, Dodd and [Scott] Cardle are the biggest names domestically and I want to fight both," Ritson told Sky Sports.
"Dodd has the Commonwealth title and he has a come-forward style like mine, so it would be a very crowd-pleasing fight.
"That would be my preference for the next defence and I would go to Liverpool for that fight. I enjoy going on the road as it takes the pressure off.
"I took a lot of Geordies down to Manchester for the Barrett fight and I'm sure they would be up for a trip to Liverpool for a dust-up with 'Masher."
Ritson and Olympic standout Josh Kelly, a fellow Tyne and Wear fighter, have almost been given the responsibility of bringing big-time boxing back to the North East and 'The Sandman' is more than happy to play a part.
"It's important to bring boxing back to the North East and vital that I keep my title and help towards that," he continued.
"I Spoke to Eddie [Hearn] and he told me that he's planning to do a show in February or March with me, Josh and a few more local lads.
"I hope me and Josh can revive boxing in the area.
"I actually boxed Josh in the amateurs and beat him," Ritson light-heartedly concluded, "I just wanted to get that one in as it's one he's been keeping quiet."
