Lytham boxer Cardle's title hopes dashed by rampant Ritson

Lytham boxer Scott Cardle's dream of winning back the British lightweight  belt was shattered in only the second round of his title fight against champion Lewis Ritson in London.
Scott Cardle is left reeling by a Lewis Ritson blow seconds before their fight was stoppedScott Cardle is left reeling by a Lewis Ritson blow seconds before their fight was stopped
Scott Cardle is left reeling by a Lewis Ritson blow seconds before their fight was stopped

Lytham boxer Scott Cardle's dream of winning back the British lightweight belt was shattered in only the second round of his title fight against champion Lewis Ritson in London. The 28-year-old Cardle was powerless to prevent their fight at the O2 Arena being stopped two minutes and five seconds in the second round as he succumbed to a barrage of head punches. Cardle had made a fast, aggressive and impressive start to the contest in a bid to take the unbeaten 24-year-old from Newcastle by surprise.However, Ritson weathered the early storm to regain control by the end of the round and dominated the second session to seal his 15th straight victory.The victorious Ritson admitted to being surprised by Cardle's tactics, though his corner had predicted the challenger's all-action opening. This was the champion's second successful defence and Ritson said: "He threw everything and I stayed nice and tucked and wasn't really hurt."By the second round he didn't have much in his shots and I went in for the kill."It was Cardle's third defeat in 25 fights and the question will now be asked what the future holds for the Fylde fighter, who held the Lonsdale belt himself for almost two years before being outpointed by Robbie Barrett in Glasgow last April.Promoter Eddie Hearn said: "Special respect to Scotty Cardle, who came out fighting like he had to win and put in a great performance. That first round was epic."The fight was on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s knockout victory over Lucas Browne at heavyweight.