“The Sandman” Lewis Ritson Returns Against Jeremias Ponce In IBF Eliminator
Lewis “Sandman” Ritson will face Jeremias “Jere” Ponce in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Super Lightweight World Title. The event will take place at the Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle on Saturday, June 12. Live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.
LEWIS RITSON (21-1, 12KO)
‘The Sandman’ won a controversial split decision against former IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez behind closed doors at the East of England Arena in Peterborough in October. As a result, he claimed the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super Lightweight Title.
Prior to the Vazquez win, Ritson produced a career-best performance to beat bitter rival Robbie Davies Jr in an enthralling Fight of the Year candidate. The 27 year-old says he can’t wait to get back in front of his fanatical support against undefeated Argentinian Ponce.
JEREMIAS PONCE (27-0, 17KO)
The 24 year-old, from Buenos Aires, won the South American Title in 2019 by outpointing fellow Argentine Leonardo Amitrano. He then became IBO Champion later that year with a points win in Berlin over Rico Muller on his debut outside the Americas.
He boxed twice in late 2020, both all-Argentinian confrontations. Firstly he stopped Ruben Lopez in ninety seconds before being pushed all the way by southpaw Jonathan Eniz over ten tough rounds. He heads into his showdown with Geordie favourite Ritson on the back of a 27-fight winning streak.
“It was a strange experience behind closed doors last time so I’m thrilled fans will be returning. It’s always loud in Newcastle and I’m proud to have them behind me cheering me on.
“Ponce likes to come forward, throw a few good body shots and he’s got a decent jab. We’re expecting and have prepared for a tough fight and it should be given what’s at stake.
“I’m one or two fights away from being World Champion now. That’s the dream for any boxer and to be in touching distance now is spurring me on with this Final Eliminator locked in.”
Lewis Ritson – IBF #6 Ranked Super Lightweight
“I’m really looking forward to the fight. I’ve already become World Champion in Europe when I won the IBO crown against Rico Mueller. After my win against Ritson on June 12 I am aiming to win another World Title. I’m ready to box anyone in my weight class.”
Jeremias Ponce – IBF #5 Ranked Super Lightweight
“This is a huge fight for Lewis Ritson. He is one fight away from a shot at the undisputed championship. We should be having the full 9,000 in Newcastle but right now 1,000 is going to feel like a full house and I can’t wait to see the fans again in Newcastle. I expect this main event to be a war.”
Eddie Hearn – Matchroom Sport Chairman
A limited number of tickets will be made available for this event and further details will be released on Thursday May 27.
