Lewis Ritson signs five-fight deal with Matchroom

Lewis Ritson, the unbeaten lightweight who won the British title outright last weekend in Newcastle, has signed a new five-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, the promotional outfit announced.

“I’m delighted to extend my deal with Matchroom,” said Ritson. “It’s been a rapid rise but one that I have enjoyed fighting on the big stage live on Sky Sports. We’re going to keep busy and I can’t wait to see where we go from here, but I can’t get complacent I need to keep focused and keep winning.”

Ritson (16-0, 10 KO) won the British title last October from Robbie Barrett, stopping Barrett in the seventh round, and has gone on a tear since then. In February, he stopped Joe Murray in 1:55, in March it was Scotty Cardle in the second round, and last weekend Paul Hyland Jr fell in 2:53.

The 24-year-old says he’s aiming to move up in class now.

“The European title is the logical next step, I’d like to prove to myself I can win that which is a move up and there’s some talk of a fight in America before the close of the year but that’s all up to Eddie and the team to lock down and for me to keep doing what I do best.”

Eddie Hearn, the Matchroom promoter, is excited to continue working with Ritson as he moves forward.

“I’ve been completely blown away with what Lewis has done over the past eight months and last Saturday in Newcastle was epic,” said Hearn. “I think he is one of the most exciting fighters in World boxing right now and has a huge future in the sport.”