Saturday 24 March 2018 21:51, UK
Lewis Ritson produced a stellar performance to claim a devastating second-round knockout win over Scott Cardle at The O2 as he retained his British lightweight title.
It was Cardle, the previously Lonsdale belt-holder, who came out the blocks firing and took it to the champion in a dominant yet gung-ho opener, with a flurry of accurate hooks landing flush.
After a stern telling-off from his corner and realising he was in another firefight, much like his previous defence against Joe Murray, Ritson duly obliged and came into his own in the second, planting his feet and hammering home at will.
'The Sandman' soon looked a powerful class above and sensing victory, the Newcastle favourite went on a devastating hunt and, after trapping his Lancashire foe on the ropes, a big right sent him sagging down.
Cardle clambered up, but it would quickly prove to be in vain despite the rallying cries from trainer Joe Gallagher ringside.
Letting his hands go, the champion relentlessly rocked a hapless Cardle's head from side to side before the challenger's corner and referee jointly called a halt to the contest.
"Cardle tried to hit me cold, I wasn't really hurt, When I had the chance I threw my punches. We had been working on that finishing left hook," a delighted Ritson said afterwards.
"I'm laid-back, that's the way I'll stay. I'll be back in the gym next week and bring on anyone.
"Josh Kelly is the main star from the North East and hopefully he can get through his fight next week and we can have a big fight at home next.
"I would love the winner of Sean Dodd's fight with Tommy Coyle or Paul Hyland Jr is my mandatory. Eddie Hearn is the man to put people in front of me."
Promoter Hearn added "Anybody who has got that kind of power is going to entertain for years and years.
"June 16 at the Metro Arena in Newcastle, we will fill that place. One more for Ritson to keep the belt and get the belt on the mantelpiece and then we move on from there."
