Lewis Ritson wary of Paul Hyland threat

British lightweight champion Lewis Ritson [15(9)-0] admits Paul Hyland Jr represents his toughest test to date – but is confident the Belfast fighter won’t stop his journey to the top.

Ritson is aiming to capture the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt for keeps in what has been a sensational short reign as British ruler, claiming the title in October with a dominant dethroning of Robbie Barrett before a first-round demolition of Joe Murray in February and coming out on top in a two-round shootout with former champ Scotty Cardle last month.

The Newcastle native aims to take his career to the next level when he co-headlines his maiden TV bill in his hometown on Saturday June 16th but is aware ‘Hylo’ has what it takes to spoil the homecoming party.

Ritson said that “it’s been a rollercoaster from the Barrett fight to now, three good performances and hopefully a fourth to come on June 16th in front of my home fans. Paul is unbeaten and he’s definitely my toughest test to date.”

While the new kid on the block showed respect for the entertaining Hyland [18(7)-0], he remains confident of victory.

“But I’ll be ready with my great team behind me, he’s confident and so am I, our styles will gel so that should make for a great fight for the fans.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn has big plans for ‘The Sandman’ – who he has christened ‘The Geordie Golovkin’ – and is already talking about European and even World titles.

The unassuming 24-year-old, however, is focused solely on Lagmore’s Hyland.

Ritson outlined how “I want to go all the way to the top.”

“You need a bit of luck in this game but hopefully I can get past Paul, who is a good fighter and one that I am not looking beyond.British lightweight champion Lewis Ritson [15(9)-0] admits Paul Hyland Jr represents his toughest test to date – but is confident the Belfast fighter won’t stop his journey to the top.

Ritson is aiming to capture the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt for keeps in what has been a sensational short reign as British ruler, claiming the title in October with a dominant dethroning of Robbie Barrett before a first-round demolition of Joe Murray in February and coming out on top in a two-round shootout with former champ Scotty Cardle last month.

The Newcastle native aims to take his career to the next level when he co-headlines his maiden TV bill in his hometown on Saturday June 16th but is aware ‘Hylo’ has what it takes to spoil the homecoming party.

Ritson said that “it’s been a rollercoaster from the Barrett fight to now, three good performances and hopefully a fourth to come on June 16th in front of my home fans. Paul is unbeaten and he’s definitely my toughest test to date.”

While the new kid on the block showed respect for the entertaining Hyland [18(7)-0], he remains confident of victory.

“But I’ll be ready with my great team behind me, he’s confident and so am I, our styles will gel so that should make for a great fight for the fans.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn has big plans for ‘The Sandman’ – who he has christened ‘The Geordie Golovkin’ – and is already talking about European and even World titles.

The unassuming 24-year-old, however, is focused solely on Lagmore’s Hyland.

Ritson outlined how “I want to go all the way to the top.”

“You need a bit of luck in this game but hopefully I can get past Paul, who is a good fighter and one that I am not looking beyond.