by Terence Dooley

Glenn McCrory believes that Lewis Ritson’s breakout win over Robbie Barrett to net the British lightweight title on the undercard of Anthony Crolla's victory over Ricky Burns can help launch him into the mix for fights against some of Britain’s best boxers at the weight.

The former IBF cruiserweight titlist, and Tyneside’s only world champion to date, has told the Evening Chronicle that the 13-0 (7) Forest Hall-based boxer has a big future in the sport.

“It may have been his 13th pro fight but Ritson was never going to be unlucky and made it 13 wins on the bounce,” he said.  “He had Barrett, who beat someone as good as Scott Cardle to take the British title, down four times before the corner threw in the towel.”

MCrory was there to cover the Eddie Hearn-promoted show for talkSPORT and his praise of the 24-year-old was echoed by a former world title challenger.  “Luke Campbell was my co-commentator,” added McCrory.

“He admitted he did not know Ritson's name before the first bell but he certainly did after the fight...It means there are big pay days out there.  Ritson is now right in the mix with the likes of WBO world champion Terry Flannigan, Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns, two former world champs who topped the bill in Manchester, and Luke Campbell, an Olympic gold medallist who did so well in the States only losing out for a world title on a split decision.”

Hearn certainly shares McCrory’s enthusiasm.  Earlier today, he revealed that the newly-crowned champion has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom and is keen to get him out again before the year ends.  Sean Dodd, who recently defended his Commonwealth belt by decisioning Thomas Stalker, could be a realistic target for 2018.

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