YOUNG south Shropshire boxer Craig Morris gave himself the perfect 18th birthday present by fighting his way to a third top Midlands title.
Having claimed regional titles in the Clubs for Young People and Junior Novice events, the Ludlow ABC teenager again demonstrated his undoubted promise with a convincing win over Coventry’s Lewis Rafferty in Nottingham.
Rafferty is ranked No 6 in the country, but Morris took charge to win 9-2 over the four two-minute rounds to lift the class 6 (67-71kg) category in this year’s Royal Navy Junior ABA of England Open National Championships.
It was his third win over Rafferty, and has surely put the youngster close to an official ranking as he progressed to take on the Yorkshire champion in the next round of the championships later this month.
“We’re all over the moon,” said trainer and father Duncan Morris, also secretary of Ludlow ABC. It’s quite daunting against a home crowd, but Craig silenced them with his performance.
“He’s worked hard on his footwork, both back and front, and his speedy combinations were also key to his success which impressed the judges.
Tremendous
“It’s now his third Midlands title and to beat a boxer who is ranked No 6 in the country the way he did is a tremendous achievement. He was 18 on the Wednesday, and won the title on the Saturday so it was the perfect way to celebrate his birthday.”
Morris made a solid start to take a 1-0 lead after the first round, then went 3-0 up in the second and led 5-1 after the third before completing a resounding 9-2 victory.
His next date will be in two weeks when he takes on the Yorkshire champion, also in Nottingham.
Meanwhile, two other boxers from Ludlow took to the ring at Worcester on the same day, with Rhett Wilson losing to a debut boxer from the home club on points in the 66kg category.However, Mark Roe was in winning form when producing a powerful display to stop his opponent in the 71kg class.
Ludlow ABC’s second dinner boxing show will be held at Ludlow Racecourse on Friday, April 9, (6.30pm). For information on tickets, contact Duncan Morris on 07890 844418.