Returns for Lee Selby and Lewis Ritson being pushed to October

It’s official, the planned July returns to action for former world titleholder Lee Selby (28-2, 9 KO) and Lewis Ritson (20-1, 12 KO) have been pushed back to the fall.

Selby’s IBF title eliminator against George Kambosos Jr will now be held at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Oct. 3, and Ritson has been rescheduled to face Miguel Vasquez at Utilita Arena on Oct. 17. Matchroom Boxing released an official statement on the rescheduling, which in part read:

“In line with the latest BBBofC and Government guidelines relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have taken the decision to reschedule their events due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday June 27th and Cardiff on Saturday July 11th, while the event taking place at Manchester Arena on Saturday July 4th has been cancelled.”

Selby, 33, has most recently won two straight fights by decision — the last coming over Ricky Burns — since he lost to Josh Warrington in May 2018. Meanwhile Ritson, 26, has recorded three straight wins on his records, most recently outpointing Robbie Davies Jr. last fall. They’ll both have been out of the ring for a full year by the time they make their next appearance.