Ritson bares all as he makes weight for Hyland clash at second attempt

British lightweight champion Lewis Ritson had to strip bare to make weight for his title defence against Paul Hyland.

The Newcastle fighter came in two ounces over the 9st 9lbs limit for a fight which provides him with the chance to win the Lonsdale belt outright.

The Matchroom fighter was forced to go away and try strop some weight before ditching the boxers to ensure he made the limit. While two ounces may not be anything major – although we don’t know how dehydrated Ritson was – Belfast’s Hyland may use the fact his foe didn’t make weight the first time out as a confidence boost.

There is no doubt Saturday is deemed as Ritson’s break out party and a chance for Matchroom to build a fan base in Newcastle.

After an electrifying period which saw Ritson claim the title against Robbie Barrett and defend against Joe Murray and Scott Cardle via three knockout wins, ‘The Sandman’ is deemed the man with the potential to wake up Geordie support for the fight game.

St James Park has been talked about, as has European title fights and possible bouts with Tommy Coyle and even Anthony Crolla or Luke Campbell.

It smacks of over looking the undefeated Belfast entertainer, but Ritson is adamant that isn’t the case.

“Yes, definitely the hardest fight of my career,” said Ritson. “I’m not looking past Paul.

“He’s not a one-trick pony. He can fight a bit, he can box a bit, so I’m expecting a hard, tough fight on Saturday, but one we think we can get through.”

“A year ago, I was applying for factory work. Now we are here, but we’ve got to keep winning.”