Sometimes boxing is about cutting through the traditional bull of those with a vested interest and simply putting a result and name on a CV. Thus Lewis Ritson did what was desired when on his home turf at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle he defeated a former world champion Dejan Zlaticanin.
No matter that the man from Montenegro will be 38 next month, had lost three of his last five fights, and had appeared in public as often as Prince Andrew in the last few years. Zlaticanin, halted in two by Roberto Ramirez in 2018, was last out in September last year after nearly two years away from the sport, losing a decision to Zaur Abdullaev over twelve in Russia.
His career is coming to an end and Ritson ushered him towards the exit. Sure it went the 10-round distance but three scorecards marked 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91 revealed the difference in desire and cruise control.
READ MORE: Lewis Ritson beats Dejan Zlaticanin by unanimous decision amid impressive Pat McCormack debut
Ritson's early explosion as a lightweight where he won a Lonsdale Belt outright had evaporated in shuddering defeat chasing European glory which prompted a move up in weight requiring instant redemption. A reputation as a fearsome banger had been replaced by a realisation of his vulnerability to body shots and so as often happens in boxing early steamrollering had been overtaken by reality. However success is often just a single punch or result away.
Still only 28 years of age Lewis required a big name on his dance card and a guy 10 years his senior with reputation was seen as a perfect stepping stone. Literally towering over his opponent, a heavily bearded Geordie was fighting in front of his Newcastle hero Alan Shearer, a deadly finisher in his chosen career, and it quickly became one-way traffic.
He had more willpower than his opponent piling up the points behind a double jab. As the rounds progressed Ritson maintained a relentless pace and Zlaticanin's dropped off as was to be expected with an aging warrior showing signs of rust. There was no reason for the home fighter to take any unnecessary risks and his fans were content for him to cruise to a lopsided victory.
When a player of expectation steps out for the first time, an Olympic silver medallist fighting on home territory, then promoters protecting investment and potential had better get it right. Pat McCormack has long been seen in these parts and beyond as an exciting talent entering the professional portals and here he first footed in a way required by all concerned.
Justin Menzie, a late replacement three days short of his 39th birthday, was not imported to end dreams before they had taken root and neither did he. SuperMac had far, far too much for him. A vicious body shot dropped the hapless ageing Menzie inside one minute 38 seconds of the first round.
I have followed Pat's amateur career for many a year and I wish him well as he embarks on a path always mapped out for him. How far it takes him we await to find out with hope dependant upon him retaining desire and the rigid discipline many find hard to sustain.
Much more formidable opposition has to lie ahead and rounds are required to put experience into talented limbs. McCormack will be out again quickly enough.
Thomas Patrick Ward, as long on talent as his name, has one of the most impressive current unbeaten streaks in British boxing and cruised to his 32nd victory in defeating Alex Kabore. However he lacks one thing in an impressive armoury _ a knock out punch _ and so inevitably it was points again for the West Rainton featherweight 100-90.
If silky skills can muster as much public interest as explosive power then surely sometime in the not too distant future Ward must get his desired crack at world domination.
As he says: "I'm a boxing artist. Hit and not be hit." But does it sell tickets to the neutrals?
It was significant that Eurosport put out three hours of live television from Newcastle featuring four fights in their entirety but both them and the promoter failed to push Thomas Patrick Ward. While it was onwards and upwards for a trio of local fighters Darlington's Troy Williamson had to dig deep to join them on the victor's rostrum and retain both his Lonsdale Belt and unbeaten record.
That he remains British super welterweight champion after a slugfest with Mason 'Nutty' Cartwright is totally justified - but two of the three judges gave a close, wonderful contest no credence with their scoring.
A card of 114-113 was totally accurate but in my opinion 116-111 and 117-112 was an insult to what a Cheshure based battler brought to the party. Cartwright dropped Williamson with a shuddering right in the second round but eventually going 12 rounds when he had previously only done eight proved a step too far.
This was nevertheless the fight of the night by a country mile.
Mark Dickinson, another Birtley graduate, took us through his repertoire in a predictable victory but there were surprises further down the card as there often are with the Benwell Bomber Joe Laws losing 57-56 to journeyman Alexey Tukhtarov and an accidental cut ending the pro debut of decorated amateur Ben Rees early with the official outcome a technical draw.
