Ritson Impresses In Manchester,Calls Out Domestic Rivals

Lewis Ritson made a successful first defence of his British light title at the Victoria Warehouse Hotel in Manchester on Sunday night by blasting out Joe Murray inside one round.

The 24 year-old made an impressive statement and sent out a clear message to his domestic rivals at 135lbs. Murray was floored twice before referee Howard Foster stepped in after 1.55 of the opener to save the Manchester based boxer from receiving more punishment.

From the opening bell Murray marched forward but was met head on by a determined, who immediately went to work on the body. A right hand to the rib cage sent Murray to the canvas. A further body attack and a few well timed hooks to the head sent Murray down once again. Murray again managed to beat the count but Foster jumped in soon after to stop the fight.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight Ritson called out the winner of the April 21 Commonwealth title battle between Sean Dodds and Tommy Coyle or possibly Scotty Cardle, who was an interested observer at ringside.

"He(Murray) was saying in interviews that he had nearly more knockouts that I had fights, so I had a funny feeling he was going to come rushing out, but like my team that was going to suit us down to a tee and he was going to be there to be hit.

"I want the winner of Dodd and Coyle, that’s who I have got my eyes set on. I know they are fighting in a few months’ time, so if Eddie can fit us in one before then, great.

"I want to fight the best at domestic level. Scotty is up there with the best. I know he didn’t get the decision against Barrett, but we still class him as the best domestically. He’s beat Dodd."

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