Craig Morris 'buzzing' by title fight in Ludlow

The town's first professional boxer for over 75 years will headline Ludlow's first pro boxing bill since the 1930s on Saturday March 12,

The 23-year-old southpaw will engage in an eight-round contest for the British Challenge light middleweight title, his first bout for a belt after four paid outings.

His opponent has yet to be decided, with promoter Errol Johnson promoting the dinner show at Ludlow Racecourse under his Black Country Boxing banner.

The former Ludlow School captain, who started out as an amateur with Ludlow Boxing Club, is now in training under Claverley's Dave Bradley and former Midlands champion Steve Chinnock.

And the promising left-hander, who has been nominated for Best Newcomer at the British Boxing Board of Control's Midlands awards next month, is proud as punch.

He said: "It's brilliant news, I've been waiting for a while to get it confirmed and it all seems to have come together at once.

"Ludlow Boxing Club were due to have a show at the Racecourse that night, but they've cancelled so we've just filled the slot.

"I've boxed there before for Ludlow and I actually beat Sam Eggington (now British and Commonwealth welterweight champion) there on points. It was unanimous, too.

"This is my step up in the pro game and I'm really looking forward to it. There's been a buzz about me around here ever since I turned pro.

"The tickets are not out and the posters aren't up, but there's already loads of people asking me about it. It should do well."

Morris has won all of his pro contests and recorded two stoppages, with tough journeymen Kevin McCauley and William Warburton going the distance with him.

He broke Viktors Drizlionoks' nose on route to a third round TKO, before halting Victor Edagha in the fourth and last round.

Notions of a bill in Ludlow became evident after his last fight against Warburton in December and is now set to come to pass.

He said: "The title distance has come a bit earlier than I expected, but I think the later rounds will suit me. I tend to come on stronger as the fight progresses.

"I'll have to pace myself, so I'll relax and pick my shots more. That's when the power comes through and I'm confident in my ability.

"I'm not really bothered who I face, I just want to make sure the fitness is there and the hard work starts here. I want to prove I belong at that level."

Morris' main sponsors Flowfit are helping to attract more backers and get him more time off from his day job as a carpenter.

They are compiling a sponsorship brochure, which can be obtained by calling Duncan Morris on 07890 844 418.

Tickets are expected to cost £60, at a table with a meal, with standard seating at £30. For more information, call Duncan.