Cardle: Ritson hasn't faced anyone on my level

Cardle is looking to reclaim his British belt this Saturday

Scott Cardle to challenge for Lewis Ritson's British title

It is a belt Cardle had held for almost two years until he was outpointed by Robbie Barrett las April.

Ritson, who is unbeaten in 14 professional fights, then snatched it off Barrett in style before defending it against Joe Murray last month.

Cardle believes Ritson is yet to face anyone on his level

Cardle, who has won 22 of his 24 fights, watched that fight from ringside and he was impressed with what he saw – but he remains confident of the win.

“It’s the belt I want to win back before I move on to anything else,” the 28-year-old told The Gazette.

“I feel ready for this one and I know I’ve got a chance against a tough opponent.

“I actually thought Joe Murray would have troubled him for the first three or four rounds, but obviously Lewis wasn’t getting paid for overtime and wanted to get it over and done with early.

“It was impressive work. I thought he showed himself as a British champion and he’s definitely impressed a lot of people. But I’m looking forward to it. I honestly don’t think he’s fought anyone at my level yet, so we’ll see what he’s all about on Saturday.”

Cardle, whose only fight since losing his title was a six-round points victory over Lee Connolly in Manchester last October, was originally due to challenge for Ritson’s Lonsdale belt last month but was unable to meet the date as his trainer Joe Gallagher was in Germany for Callum Smith’s fight.

But now a date has been finalised and the frustration has been put behind him, Cardle is solely focused on reclaiming his former belt.

“Preparation has gone well,” Cardle added. To be honest it’s not been an issue as I’ve been ready for this fight since the start of the year.

“I’ve been expecting this fight for quite a while now as I initially got the call on New Year’s Eve, when I was told I could be fighting early in February.

“As soon as I got that call I went straight into the gym in Italy and I didn’t really get to enjoy myself on holiday. I was training hard from then on but I had a few hiccups, with my coach thinking I wouldn’t be ready for February.”

Ritson and Cardle will clash on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s fight against Lucas Browne for Whyte’s WBC Silver Heavyweight title.