Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson is confident he can stop Belgium’s Francesco Patera as he tries to move closer to a fight at the home of Newcastle United.

Ritson has been on a sensational journey of late and this weekend he will fight for the European title for the first time in his career.

He will face former champion Patera at the Metro Radio Arena but a dream fight at St James’ Park is on the horizon.

The home of the Magpies could soon host a world title fight but promoter Eddie Hearn insists he cannot afford to slip up this week.

Ritson remains unbeaten in his first 17 fights and he has stopped 11 of his opponents inside the distance.

Patera has never been stopped and Ritson is expecting his rival to run before tiring late on.

When asked about the bout, Ritson told Sky Sports: “I’ve seen him do a couple of interviews saying that he’s not going to stand and trade, which is probably clever on his part.

“I’m expecting a hard fight, for him to use his experience, and for him to try to go the 12 rounds. We’re going to try and get him out of there.”

Ritson has already secured the British title and he did so in record time after defending the belt in three successive fights.

He has barely broken a sweat so far and a late stoppage could be on the cards. Ritson is as short as 1.30 to win by knockout, while a 11th round stoppage is 26.00.