LEWIS RITSON will return to action in the North-East this autumn as part of a televised Matchroom Boxing show at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.

Ritson, who is the reigning British Lightweight champion, will be the star attraction on October 13 as he continues his progress to European and World level.

The Forest Hall fighter is competing on the undercard of Amir Khan’s bout with Samuel Vargas next month, and will return to the ring in his native North-East four weeks later.

He starred at the Metro Radio Arena in June, knocking out Paul Hyland Jnr in the opening round to secure the Lonsdale Belt for good.

The North-Easterner had previously defended his British title against Joe Murray and Scotty Cardle, and sees his next two fights as key stepping stones in his climb through the ranks.

“The atmosphere inside the Metro Radio Arena was unreal in June, and I can’t wait to get back there on October 13,” said Ritson. “It’s been a rapid rise, and I can’t wait to headline on the big stage again live on Sky.

“The most important thing for me right now is keeping busy and I’m delighted to be fighting in an eight-rounder on the Khan v Vargas undercard in September as well. I’m focused on winning and improving with every fight.

“It’s been a fantastic year for me, and I want to continue to build in September and October. I’ve got a brilliant team around me that I trust, and I’m confident they can guide me towards more major titles.”

October’s Newcastle bill will also feature rising light-heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi, who will be taking part in his eighth professional fight after recently landing his first pro title at the O2.

Buatsi claimed the WBA International title with an emphatic first-round stoppage of Andrejs Pokumeiko, and will be looking for a tougher test in two months’ time.

Sunderland’s Glenn Foot will take on Liverpudlian Robbie Davies Jnr for the British and Commonwealth Super Lightweight titles.

Foot will be making the first defence of his Commonwealth title, having claimed the crown with an 11th-round stoppage against Scotland’s Jason Easton in Glasgow in March. Davies Jnr is a reigning WBA Continental champion.

“I’ll be honest, I’m counting down the days until we’re back in Newcastle,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn. “Last time out was something very special, and October 13 will be even bigger.

“Lewis Ritson is a star with a city behind him, and now we are on the World title march. His fight and the full undercard will be announced at a press conference soon, but fans can expect a packed night with Joshua Buatsi, Dave Allen and a brilliant clash between Glenn Foot and Robbie Davies Jnr.”