Craig Morris ready to take a punt at glory
Ludlow's Craig Morris still feels like he's got nothing to lose by challenging for the Midlands welterweight title tomorrow night.
The 24-year-old contests the vacant area crown with Nathan McIntosh at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent,
The belt would further cement his legend in Ludlow, who hadn't produced a professional boxer for over 75 years before he turned pro in April 2015.
Morris has since eased to six wins without reply, with two inside-the-distance. Only William Warburton, who he has outpointed twice, has won rounds against him.
The former Ludlow School captain will pit his southpaw skills against smooth operator McIntosh, 28, from Nottingham.
Someone's '0' must go as both are undefeated, with Morris' co-challenger recording 10 wins with just the one stoppage. The show is being promoted by boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
Victory for Morris would hand him a bona-fide British Boxing Board of Control crown just 17 months after he first laced on a paid glove.
He said: "I'm where I want to be, at this stage of my career. To be honest, I didn't think I'd get the shot, at this point, but the title was vacant so my team put me forward for it.
"I've never understood the obsession with protecting the '0' in the losses column. If you want to get somewhere, you've got to step up and take the risk.
"This is a risk for both me and McIntosh. I'm not oblivious to the fact he's 10-0 and a decent lad. We both know we're up against it.
"Taking it in my seventh pro fight shows I'm not just in it to hang around. If you get an opportunity, you've got to roll the dice."
His opponent has been in 'southpaw school' to prepare. He's been sparring with one of the most skilful left-handers in Britain, former world title challenger and domestic champion Frankie Gavin.
McIntosh said: "I'm glad I'm fighting Morris, because he's a name and a good fighter. He comes forward and he's got a good record. He comes to fight and that should suit me to a tee."
Tickets, priced at £30 for general admission and £60 ringside, and can be purchased on the door at fight night or in advance from www.hattonboxing.com.
