Robbie Davies Jr vs Lewis Ritson: 3 key questions to answer

It’s the headline fight on a show which has been labelled ‘Bad Blood’ but, aside from a foul-mouthed altercation between their most recent bouts on the same bill, Lewis Ritson and Robbie Davies Jr seem to be affable enough characters. The most intriguing thing for me about their October 19 main event in Newcastle is not some contrived grudge but who will emerge victorious.

They have ostensibly identical records 19-1 records but Kirkby’s Davies Jr has one extra inside-schedule win, while he was halted in his sole reverse; Forest Green’s Ritson was outscored. In such a closely matched contest, I have picked out three key questions that, when answered, may provide a steer as to the winner.

Who is the puncher?
Ritson looked remarkably powerful down at lightweight, memorably securing a Lonsdale Belt with three defences that lasted a combined 6-53. Two of that trio of victims had never been stopped before. He is a composed, aggressive machine and switches well from head to body. Davies Jr, on the other hand, appears more rangy, clever boxer than puncher, but certainly carries power. In his six championship victories, Davies Jr has won three early and the rest on points. Both have fought several opponents with losing records – Davies Jr eight, Ritson 10 – which has likely helped inflate their KO ratios.
Answer: Ritson.

Who is the better technically?
On the surface you would say Davies Jr immediately as he has all the moves and can display flair, but Ritson has an underrated intelligence in the ring. Both were quality amateurs. Ritson had nearly a hundred bouts, represented England and was a senior national finalist, as a welterweight. Davies Jr fought for his country on many occasions and seemed to be something of a nearly man in major tournaments, accruing an array of silver medals. He lost the national senior final at 63.5kg to Louis Adolphe in 2012, on the same show as Ritson fell to Tamuka Mucha a weight up.
Answer: Davies Jr.

Who is better at the weight?
This is a real tough one. Ritson fought at a higher weight as an amateur and struggled manfully during his successful pro spell at lightweight, but Davies Jr is a career super-lightweight and has made the championship limit on seven occasions. Despite fighting out of a compact stance, Ritson is the taller of the two but Davies has long arms.
Answer: Undecided