Wednesday 7 March 2018 13:26, UK
Lewis Ritson will defend his British lightweight title against Scotty Cardle on the undercard for Dillian Whyte's heavyweight grudge fight with Lucas Browne.
The 24-year-old produced a stunning first title defence last month, destroying Joe Murray in the first round in Manchester, and makes a swift return to action against former champion Cardle at The O2 on March 24, live on Sky Sports.
Cardle came agonisingly close to claiming the Lonsdale belt outright before suffering a surprise defeat last April to Robbie Barrett, who was then stopped inside seven rounds by Ritson.
Scotty wants the title back and he's in a similar position to Joe Murray was where he really needs to win the fight but if he gets beat, where does he go?
"I've made a couple of statements now by beating Barrett and then Murray - and I want to do it again against Cardle," said Ritson.
"We wanted the Cardle fight in Manchester, but he pulled out. Scotty wants the title back and he's in a similar position to Joe Murray was where he really needs to win the fight but if he gets beat, where does he go? So that should make it a really good fight.
"Domestic level could be described as European level really as the lads at lightweight like Scotty and Sean Dodd are top fighters.
"I've sparred with all the top names like Ricky Burns, Anthony Crolla, Kiryl Relikh and of course Cardle - so boxing people know what I can do. Now that I'm with Eddie and Matchroom on Sky Sports, the public are getting to see what I can do too.
"I've been on small hall shows in the past and now I'm headlining on Sky Sports and heading to The O2 on a big show - it's amazing and I'm working hard to make sure that this is just the beginning."
Cardle says the timing of this title fight will allow him to spend more time with trainer Joe Gallagher and intends to inflict the first defeat of Ritson's career.
"Lewis showed against Murray what he can do," said Cardle. "He's a deserved British champion but obviously I believe that he's just holding that belt for me to take it from him.
"He's an honourable guy, so hats off to him for fighting me next. Anyone that knows me knows that I didn't show up against Barrett in Glasgow, what he did to Robbie is what I could've done, but I wasn't myself that night. No excuses - I wasn't good enough.
I'll be fully prepared for March 24 and ready to get my belt back.
"I've had a six rounder since that fight, but this is the one I want. I need to get that title back and show that I am the best in Britain.
"Joe Gallagher was in Germany with Callum Smith so the preparation wasn't right to do it in Manchester, but I'll be fully prepared for March 24 and ready to get my belt back."
Ritson and Cardle clash on a huge night of action as Whyte defends his WBC 'silver' belt against Lucas Browne, while Frank Buglioni defends his British light-heavyweight title against Callum Johnson.
Watch Dillian Whyte against Lucas Browne at The O2 on March 24, live on Sky Sports.
