The novelty of boxing behind closed doors may have worn off but a busy schedule is now in place for the rest of 2020 and it kicks off with a big night of action on both sides of the Atlantic this weekend.

The vociferous support Lewis Ritson receives in the North East is well known but he will have to do without that noisy backing when he takes on Miguel Vazquez at the East of England Arena in Peterborough on Saturday night.

The Mexican has made eight successful defences of the IBF lightweight title he won in 2010 and is undoubtedly the best man Ritson has faced to date, but he has been on the slide since losing that belt in 2014, and that is reflected in the betting as he enters as a 6/1 underdog. The decline has been a slow one, though, and the 33-year-old is still very capable, so Ritson will need to be on his game if he's to justify odds of 1/8.

The Newcastle man gained his large following by tearing through the domestic lightweight scene in thrilling and rapid fashion, winning the Lonsdale belt outright in just eight months, but the step up to European level proved too much when outpointed by Francesco Patera two years ago.

Weight troubles were blamed and a move to light welterweight followed, with two routine wins before facing his first big test at 140lb against Robbie Davis Jr last October. There was very little between the pair at the caldron of the Newcastle Arena but most observers felt the right man got the nod when Ritson was awarded a unanimous decision and he showed signs that he had learned lessons from his sole defeat.

While still looking happiest when the pair traded leather, the 27-year-old showed he can box when backed up and displayed a good engine over the championship distance, confirming he is much more comfortable with the extra 5lbs. However, the jury is still very much out as to whether he has carried his power up to the new division and he will need it if he's going to get rid of the durable visitor.