Sheffield rivals set for Central Area clash
Ryszard Lewicki views his upcoming title fight with Sheffield boxer Red Johnson as a stepping stone to greater things.
Polish-born Ryszard, who moved to Sheffield at the age of nine, will defend his Central Area Super Middleweight title against Red at Connexin Live, Hull on March 21.
It promises to be an intriguing, even-matched battle.
The area champion has a 12-2-3 record and he'll test it against an unbeaten contender with ten straight wins.
It has all the hallmarks of a classic over ten hard rounds.
Ryszard has an interesting background. The Pole joined Sheffield City Boxing club at the age 10 and was there for 13 years under Brendan Warburton, whom he describes as a "tremendous coach."
The 29-year-old completed his A levels with top grades at Meadowhead school, before sitting Hallam University’s sport science degree, specialising in human physiology and nutrition.
Now he lives with his wife in Rochdale, but still feels an affinity for Sheffield.
Focusing on the fight ahead, he told The Star: "As we both come from Sheffield I know of Red but this is from a decade ago so means nothing now.
"I’m not sure what the bookies will say, he’s undefeated but I feel I’ll knock him out.
"My career plan is to beat Red, fight for the English and move toward the European title.
"This will be a final English title eliminator meaning the winner will fight for that next."
The show is promoted by ex Sheffield United player and boxer Curtis Woodhouse.
It comes after Lewicki reached the final of GBM Sport's first "Heist" tournament, also in Hull, in November.
The Pat Barrett-trained fighter outpointed Rotherham's high profile battler Taz Nadeem in the semi final.
"In hindsight I wish I called it a day after beating the two favourites back to back, but ambition took over and I got greedy. It was a great experience and propelled my profile" he recalled.