Lewis Ritson pulls out of fight and Hank Lundy sends him a message
Lewis “Sandman” Ritson was looking to return to the ring, attempting to get his career back on track against journeyman Henry “Hank” Lundy (31-9-1, 14ko). However, Sandman had to pull out at the last minute due to illness, and Lundy was quick to call him out on it.
THE RING RETURN CANCELED
Ritson (21-2, 12ko) cannot catch a get a break. Every time things start to go his way, something goes terribly wrong. The U.K. news circuit reported that Ritson had to pull out of his return fight set in front of the hometown crowd in Newcastle on October 16.
Lundy was disappointed to hear the news considering the fact he flew all the way over to the U.K. and took to social media with how he believes the British fighter got sick.
“Lewis Ritson, when I see you, it’s on sight. You made me come all the way out here in your hometown, and you’re scared to fight? I am disappointed in you man. Stop eating at that fast food restaurant, they got good food, but you got to be more disciplined man. I eat, but I make weight. I’ll see you soon.”
Lundy took it a step further by adding insult to injury by eating potato chips during the video. Moreover, this was a much-needed fight for the 37-year-old from Pennsylvania as well. The veteran fighter is coming off a loss to two-divisional title challenger Jose Zepeda in May.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
In 2018, Ritson had to overcome his first career defeat to another unknown fighter named Francesco Patera. He bounced back by winning four fights in a row, including wins against fellow countryman Robbie Davies Jr and former IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez.
The Sandman would earn a #2 spot with the WBA and #6 ranking by the IBF. He was ready to challenge for a world championship in an IBF mandatory fight but was brutally knocked out against unknown Jeremias Nicolas Ponce (28-0, 18ko) back in June.
That defeat was costly. The IBF dropped him down to the #11 spot, and the WBA has removed him from the rankings altogether. Nevertheless, he was signed to the new promotional company Probellum while in training for the Lundy fight.
The Sandman was ready to make his return to the ring and prove he is still a top fighter in the division. Nevertheless, this cancelation is extremely misfortunate. It will be interesting to see what he does moving forward.
By: Garrisson Bland
