Matt Macklin believes “a star has been born” after watching Lewis Ritson savagely win the British title outright on a sensational homecoming night in Newcastle.
The 24-year-old lightweight raised the roof of the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday after ruthlessly stopping Paul Hyland inside three minutes following three knockdowns.
Macklin was left astounded by the destructive showing and says, on that performance, Ritson, unbeaten in 16 fights, can go all in the way the sport.
“That was fantastic and a star is born,” Macklin said afterwards.
“If he goes on and keeps his momentum, who knows where Ritson can go.
“He has won the British title outright and blown away four fighters in a row.
“Hyland Jr is a really good fighter who came in undefeated and full of confidence and belief, but as soon as Ritson first landed a stiff jab, he was hurt and rocked to his boots.
“He [Ritson] fought as a welterweight in the amateurs and now he’s down at lightweight. You can see that natural strength and power.
He’s so physically strong with no emotion, he just comes forward. He has so much humility and you warm to that.
“Ritson looks far beyond British title level, he’s beat good fighters and destroyed them. The European title is next, let’s see what he is like there, but from the evidence we’ve seen so far, this kid can go all the way.”
