Tuesday 12 June 2018 10:26, UK
Lewis Ritson admits it would be a dream to fight at St James' Park in the future after he and Josh Kelly sparked a new era of boxing success in the north east.
The British lightweight champion can win the Lonsdale title outright if he makes a successful defence against Paul Hyland Jnr at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Rising talent Kelly also targets a Commonwealth title on the same bill and Ritson says it would be the ultimate ambition to fight at Newcastle United's football ground, if they continue to build their local support.
"It would be great, wouldn't it," said Ritson, when asked about bringing boxing to St James' Park.
Tony Bellew done it at Goodison Park didn't he, so you never know. Hopefully I might have a night at St James'.
"You can only dream of that. We need a bit of luck in this sport, but if I keep winning, and keep going up the ladder, then there's no reason why we can't do that.
"Tony Bellew done it at Goodison Park didn't he, so you never know. Hopefully, I might have a night at St James'.
"If me and Josh keep winning, then Eddie can keep bringing the shows up here.
"It looks like the show at the arena is going to be jam-packed, so two good wins at the weekend, and there's no reason why Eddie can't keep coming back."
Ritson's two title defences have lasted a total of three rounds, with Scott Cardle being stopped in the second round at The O2 in March, just a month after Joe Murray was halted within a whirlwind round in Manchester.
Hyland Jnr holds an 18-fight unbeaten record, but Ritson is not concerned about the prospect of another explosive encounter with the Belfast man.
"We've seen over the last two fights that I won't shy away from a shootout, and I don't think Paul will either," said Ritson.
"You never know, it could come to that, but we're expecting Paul to be on the back foot and try and box a bit, but if he wants to come and have a shootout, he can."
Lewis Ritson against Paul Hyland Jr and Josh Kelly versus Kris George is on Sky Sports Action from 7pm on Saturday night.
