Ludlow's Craig Morris carves out pro career

There's been no paid puglist from his part of Shropshire for over 75 years, but all that will change this weekend.

The light middleweight debuts at Walsall Town Hall against Polish hard man Robert Studzinski in a four-round contest.

The former Ludlow School captain comes into the code having represented both Ludlow Boxing Club and Lions in Dudley as an amateur, winning a host of area titles.

He's taken a year out of the sport and then turned over, while he changed his working circumstances to better suit his training regime.

He's been able to put in the hard yards in the gym since coming out of being self-employed, but he's still plying his trade as a carpenter.

Further backing has come from hometown company Flowfit, who have sponsored him along with Morris Autos, DW Wall & Son, Elm Lodge Weddings and Events & Arboretum Tree Services.

And the 23-year-old feels he has sharpened the tools that will cut the burly and tough Studinski down to size, with a three-figure crowd coming from Ludlow to support him.

He said: "I always wanted to turn pro, but to have my first fight is going to be a achievement in itself for me!

"I had some time off as I needed to go self employed so found finding time to train hard, but now I've got a job back I've got my nights to train.

"I'm really looking forward to my fight, I've been training hard for it so know i'm ready. I know what I've got to do and how much I want to win.

"My camp has been really good, I have got a great team behind me and I feel confident with what we've been working and training on.

"I've put on two coaches to travel from Ludlow to Walsall, so hopefully there will be around the 100 mark there to cheer me on!"

Morris, who will be managed by Claverley's Dave Bradley, can count on having Flowfit managing director Simon Parsonage in his corner on fight night, too.

Parsonage said: "Flowfit are very pleased and proud to be sponsoring Craig in his quest to be a champion professional boxer.

"We are delighted he has accepted our offer to be his main sponsor. We will be there supporting him in Walsall."

Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900 and on the door.