Lewis Ritson’s world championship aspirations (23-2, 13 KOs) continue to resurface tonight in Newcastle after a clear victory over Dejan Zlaticanin.
After an opening half that looked like the Montenegrin could turn back the clock with his powerful left arm, Ritson soon took the fight and took control.
Eight years ago, Ricky Burns felt the power of a Zlaticanin leave and recover for a decisive victory that split the controversy. After a few scares in the first three minutes, Ritson imposed his scale and power from the second minute on.
Boxer Geordie repeatedly used his swing to great effect that kept Zlaticanin (24-4, 16 KOs) in for the remaining nine rounds. With the stick active, Ritson can start adding variety with a headbutt that’s smaller than a shot through. The British were previously lightweight
the champion, now in the ultralightweight division, got more confident and started adding three and four punch combinations.
Zlaticanin, 37, will find a way to roll and then launch an attack, but Ritson is often out of range or enough to grasp the lack of work coming his way.
Despite the late start and drop in attendance, it was a mature performance for Ritson, who suffered a crushing defeat to Jeremias Ponce nine months ago. In the end, Zlaticanin gave very little. His signature left hand landed late in the final round, but Ritson ran away with the overall teamfight reflected in the scorecards of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91.
Ritson is currently just outside the top 10 with the IBF and WBA and can look forward to taking on Probellum 140lbrs colleagues Tyrone McKenna and Ohara Davies in the future.
