Teenager Craig Morris was the toast of Ludlow Amateur Boxing Club after being crowned Midland Counties champion – with his stylish victory now taking him to the National Championships.
The 16-year-old from Ludlow underlined his pedigree to lift the junior novice title with a convincing 13 points to three victory over Kyle McAndrew in the final at Coventry’s Triumph Club.
It was a remarkable triumph for Morris who only started boxing a year last August, at the same time that Ludlow Boxing Club were re-launched.
Since then, the club have gone from strength to strength, with a core 24 members although several more boxers have attended over the months.
Morris, following in the footsteps of his late, great uncle Jackie Morris, showed his class in dispatching rival McAndrew in the final of the 66-70kg class (1992).
The first round finished all square at 1-1, but the southpaw went on to dominate the next two rounds with wins of 7-1 and 5-1 for an overall 13-3 verdict.
“After the first round, Craig said he could read the other lad and went on to record a convincing win,” said his father Duncan.
“He was overwhelmed by the victory, which was the best I’ve ever seen him box.
“His footwork was brilliant, and he picked the lad off really well. It was a superb performance.”
Morris was presented with the winner’s medal and his Midland Counties champion vest afterwards.
He now goes on to the national championships on Sunday, November 2, also at Coventry, when he will represent the Midlands against Yorkshire in the quarter-finals.
Victory would then see him go forward to the semi-finals the following week.
Competition is certain to be fierce, but his father Duncan admits it will be a great experience for his son.
“He is very dedicated, works hard and listens and is a very humble lad,” said Morris senior.
“He was always very keen to box, so he joined Ludlow when I restarted the club a year last August.”
