Award-winner Craig Morris paired in title test
Award-winner Craig Morris is getting ready for his first title test after being named Best Newcomer at the Midlands Boxing Awards.
Ludlow's first professional boxer for over 75 years is preparing to headline the first paid bill staged in the town since the 1930s,
And the 23-year-old light middleweight's confidence should be sky high after his latest accolade, beating Lyon Woodstock and Cori Gibbs to the gong.
The British Boxing Board of Control held their annual area bash at the Eaton Hotel on Hagley Road in Birmingham last weekend.
Morris was honoured as his scheduled opponent for Ludlow Racecourse on Saturday March 12 was blowing off the ring rust.
The Shropshire southpaw is set to tackle former Midlands title challenger Sullivan Mason in a eight-round bout for a British Challenge belt down at welterweight.
Mason warmed up for the contest with a points win over former area champion Kevin McCauley at Bedworth Civic Hall over four rounds.
The two are set to go toe-to-toe for a well-matched top of the bill, on a dinner show which will also feature Stafford's Rob Hunt and Manny Zaber, from Old Hill in the Black Country.
Morris said: "He's a good stylish boxer and I think it's a great contest, he's been in with some good lads and given handy fighters problems.
"This could put me into the mix to get recognised, while he'll fancy this as a chance to get himself back on track. Both of us will be going for this.
"It's a 50-50 fight, an even bout and it could come down to who wants it more. He's taller than me, so I'll be working on getting over his size and reach.
"I have power - I've got four wins from four fights and two of those have been inside the distance, but I'll have to box if I want to win this one.
"Believe it or not, I prefer that. I'm not really a pressure fighter. I couldn't have asked for a harder step up, but I'm really looking forward to this."
Morris has been taking time off work from his job as a carpenter to get as much training in as possible before fight night.
Long-term sponsors Flowfit Hydraulics are still on board, while his older brother Stefan provides a car for him to get to his sessions through his business Morris Autos & Car Sales.
Hornsey Steels of Bucknall have added their support, but further backers are still more than welcome to lend a hand.
Morris said: "I've never boxed at welter in the pros, so a lot more work is needed to make sure I get down to the weight in the right way.
"Rest around my training is just as important for me, because I want to be flying out of the blocks after the bell goes.
"The more help, the better. It could be the difference between winning and losing."
The former Ludlow School captain's journey in the sport began at the age of 14, with his father Duncan a huge influence.
Two national semi-finals came as he honed his craft at Ludlow Boxing Club, where he's now been made a trustee. He went on to represent Lions in Dudley as a senior.
He said: "My boxing roots have come in my hometown and I've stayed close to them. I'm proud of where I'm from.
"People from Ludlow are really getting into boxing again. I was working on a shop front in the town centre a few weeks ago and people were coming in to ask about it."
Tickets are still available, priced at £30 standard and £60 VIP ringside with a three-course meal. For more information, call Duncan on 07890 844 418.
