Two Title Fights Headline Newcastle Card

The Metro Radio Arena will be the site of a fierce doubleheader on June 16th, as Josh Kelly battles Kris George for the British commonwealth welterweight title and Lewis Ritson squares off with Paul Hyland Jr. for the British lightweight championship.

Speaking with FIGHT SPORTS following Thursday’s press conference, Hyland said that June 15th is one of the biggest nights of his professional career.

On the eve of his 28th birthday, the lightweight fighter, claimed that “it doesn’t matter (how I win), I’m gonna make sure I have my arm raised.”

With seven of his eighteen wins coming by stoppage, Hyland puts his undefeated streak on the line against another undefeated fighter in Lewis Ritson. And while it may be Hyland’s birthday a few hours after the bell rings, Ritson returns to his hometown for the first time since his pro debut in 2015.

Even though the defending champion would have a little trouble making weight on Friday morning, he is “nice and confident” heading into the Metro Radio arena on Saturday night.

“It could be a bit of a shootout, we’re ready for whatever (Hyland) brings,” Ritson told FIGHT SPORTS on Thursday afternoon.

“I believe I can beat anyone who (stands in the middle with) me.”

Splitting top billing with Ritson and Hyland, Josh Kelly says that he doesn’t feel any extra pressure heading into his fight with Kris George.

Kelly claims his last fight, a unanimous decision victory over Victor Molina “helped him massively.” Not only did it showoff his durability and stamina, but it showed he could perform on a big stage, as he and Molina fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s win over Joseph Parker.

The Sunderland native walked out of Principality Stadium with the WBA international welterweight title, and hopes to walk out of Newcastle with the Commonwealth championship.

“Apart from being stuck with two heavy belts, it’ll feel good to walk out a double champion.”