Ritson vs Vazquez: Lewis Ritson defeats Miguel Vazquez via split decision

James Dielhenn

Senior Boxing Journalist @JamesDielhenn

Last Updated: 18/10/20 12:22am

Lewis Ritson won a hugely debatable split decision against Miguel Vazquez on Saturday in Peterborough.

Newcastle’s Ritson looked in trouble of slipping to defeat through 12 frustrating rounds which he later described as an “eye-opener”.

Ritson got the nod from two out of three judges, even though his promoter Eddie Hearn admitted to thinking Vazquez deserved it.

It became clear in the early rounds that the visitor was happy to spoil and frustrate. He circled away and avoided an exchange of punches at all times, slowly irritating Ritson but also stockpiling a lead.

Even into the second half of the fight, Vazquez’s pot-shotting was enough to keep Ritson at bay.

The gulf in their experience became evident. Ritson has been a pro for five years but Vazquez has for 14, has fought in four continents in that time, and has boxed Breidis Prescott and Josh Taylor.

Ritson’s gumshield went flying across the ring in the 10th round after a perfectly-timed jab from Vazquez.

Then Vazquez landed a flush right hand, his best punch of the fight, as he turned up the temperature.

However, Ritson and his trainer maintained their confidence after every round that they were doing enough with their forward-pressure.

Even after the final bell, Ritson was assured by his trainer that he had pinched it.

And they were right – the scorecards were 116-113 Vazquez, 117-111 Ritson, 115-113 Ritson.

“I hate Ritson losing,” said Tony Bellew at ringside. “An alarming lack of urgency from his corner was strange.”

Ritson said after: “We got the win but it showed where we are. Call out Regis Prograis? I think we’ve got a little while before we get to them.

“That was an eye-opener.

“We are world fringe level.”

Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora meet on October 31, and it will not be a night for the faint-hearted!

Sky Sports schedule

Usyk vs Chisora – Oct 31, live on Sky Sports Box OfficeOleksandr Usyk vs Derek ChisoraLee Selby vs George Kambosos JrDave Allen vs Christian HammerTommy McCarthy vs Bilal LaggouneAmy Timlin vs Carly Skelly

Taylor vs Gutierrez – Nov 14, live on Sky SportsKatie Taylor vs Miriam GutierrezTerri Harper vs Katharina ThanderzRachel Ball vs Ebanie BridgesJamie Cox vs Jack CullenJohn Docherty vs Jack Arnfield

Povetkin vs Whyte 2 – Nov 21, live on Sky Sports Box OfficeAlexander Povetkin vs Dillian WhyteConor Benn vs Sebastian FormellaChris Billam-Smith vs Deion Jumah