History in the making for Craig Morris

The 24-year-old outpointed Nathan McIntosh in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday night to claim the vacant area crown after just his seventh pro contest, writes Craig Birch.

The 10-rounder featured at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex on a show promoted by boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

Morris became Ludlow's first professional boxer for over 75 years when he turned pro 17 months ago and is thought to be the town's first pro Midlands titlist.

The former Ludlow School captain was always in control of a bout against Nottingham's McIntosh, where someone's '0' had to go to produce a new champion as both were unbeaten.

A points call of 98-94 from referee Reece Carter gave him victory by four rounds, with McIntosh winning just two on the way despite playing his part in a cracker.

He said: "It was a great fight, one that all of the fans deserved. Massive thanks to my coach, Steve Chinnock, who got me in the best condition I've ever been in.

"I was scared to death of losing, more for letting the opportunity pass me by. I was over the moon to get the decision and I wanted that title so badly.

"It was a risk, the other guy was 10-0 and ranked 15th in the country. I knew he was slick and a good boxer, but I felt I didn't give him a chance to settle and smashed him out of his rhythm.

"I knew I was winning going into the last round, Steve told me the result was mine as I was heading out so I kept him at range.

"Over 100 people travelled for the best part of an hour-and-a-half from Ludlow to come and support me. I'm proud of where I come from and I'm grateful to them, along with my sponsors.

"Some were talking about it being a Fight of the Year contender and the crowd were on their feet. Becoming a Midlands champion will be with me for life, no one can ever take that away from me."

McIntosh's movement and style was expected to cause problems, but southpaw Morris also made proceedings awkward for his opponent with the left hand.

He took the fight to McIntosh, who slipped to land his shots and bloodied Morris' nose with an uppercut in the third. Morris was throwing more leather, though, and was unmoved by the blows.

McIntosh's gum shield came out three times as Morris continued to attack, swarming over his co-challenger at every opportunity.

Uppercuts proved McIntosh's most effective weapon as the two got in close but he wouldn't match the work-rate of Morris, who unleashed his punches in bunches.

To the cards it went with the result never in any serious doubt, with Morris' hand raised as he claimed the strap vacated by Ryan Fields earlier this year.