Craig Morris happy to move in the Midlands
Ludlow's Craig Morris is expecting a level playing field after being told he must travel for a Midlands welterweight title shot.
Morris will co-challenge for the vacant area crown with Nathan McIntosh in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday October 1
The undefeated 24-year-old goes for Midlands glory in his seventh professional contest, but had hoped the fight would be staged on his turf.
The town's first professional boxer for over 75 years headlined Ludlow's first pro boxing bill since the 1930s at the Racecourse in March and claimed a British Challenge strap.
Morris will hit the road to battle for his next belt against fellow unbeaten fighter McIntosh, from Nottingham. They will feature on a Ricky Hatton promoted show at the Fenton Manor Complex.
The Shropshire hopeful reckons he might not have been handed the opportunity otherwise, though, and feels the Hatton effect will only add to the occasion.
The ring legend is bringing pro boxing back to the venue where he used to stage televised bills, in conjunction with Sky Sports.
And Morris is delighted by the speed of which his chance has come along, having only made his pro debut in April 2015.
Ironically, when the former Ludlow School captain turned over at Walsall Town Hall, Rob Hunt outpointed Sullivan Mason for the same Midlands title in the main event.
The belt has since travelled to Karl Wiggins and Ryan Fields, with a new champion now set to be crowned out of Morris and McIntosh.
Morris said: "I've known for a while that the Midlands might come up, but I wasn't going to get my hopes up until I was told for sure.
"I'd have loved for it to be in Ludlow, true, but I suspected it wasn't going to happen. I don't think my opponent would have took the fight there, it would have been a bit unfair on him.
"Stoke is not as far as I thought, about an hour-and-a-half away. I don't think the distance will stop people from going to support me.
"Being on a Hatton show is a draw, in itself, and it's a big bill at a nice venue. I've got my tickets now and I plan on bringing a good crowd up with me."
He's now in training to take on the slippery McIntosh, a confident and capable adversary who could cause problems. Skill, rather than power, have led him to 10 wins from 10, with one TKO.
Morris said: "I've seen a two minute clip of him and YouTube and that's about it. You could tell from that he's cocky, boxing with his hands down.
"There might be a difference in styles, but I'll be big and strong at the weight. Ten rounds is a long time to try and keep me away.
"Neither of us can afford to shut up shop when it's prospect versus prospect, we both need to come forward. You can't sit back when you are going for a title.
"I can box as well as fight - we'll see if he can do the same. I know I've got to outwork him, outclass him or get him out of there to get the job done."
Morris has been backed by building materials supplier Mapei along with main sponsors Flowfit, his employers W M Stewardson Kitchen & Bathrooms and South Shropshire Gas for fight night.
Tickets are on sale now, priced at £30 and £60 ringside. For more information, call Craig's dad Duncan Morris on 07890 844 418. Coach travel from Ludlow is being arranged.
