Craig Morris defends against ex-champion
Ludlow's Craig Morris will put up the Midlands welterweight title next month against a former champion who never lost his crown in the ring.
Morris will make his first defence against Ryan Fields on the same grounds of his crowning glory last October,
He became Ludlow's first professional boxer for over 75 years when he turned over in April 2015 and is thought to be the town's first pro Midlands titlist.
That status will be up-for-grabs when the former Ludlow School captain next steps through the ropes on Saturday February 18.
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton will again promote the show, which will be held at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent.
Southpaw Morris, 24, outpointed fellow unbeaten Nathan McIntosh to claim the then-vacant belt in a 10-round Fight of the Year contender.
The heavy-handed Fields, from Belper in Derbyshire, became Midlands boss the previous March after ripping the strap from Brummie Karl Wiggins by fifth round stoppage.
Fields, also 24, relinquished those honours to contest the English title with Johnny Garton in the May, but went down in the fourth by TKO after a booming left hook settled matters.
He now comes back into the area reckoning against Morris, who is looking to build on his breakthrough 2016 and keep his '0' intact.
He said: "I was just taking on journeyman this time last year, trying to get up the ladder, then it all seemed to fall into place for me.
"I didn't think I'd be picked to go for the Midlands title, I thought that would be more like this year, so I was made up to become champion.
"I learned a lot, I had someone coming at me for the full 10 rounds and I know I can do the distance now, which I wouldn't have if I'd beaten him early.
"I've known for a while Fields was in the pipeline for me and he's a completely different test to McIntosh. Fields is stronger and more physical, while McIntosh is about skill.
"It's another hard opponent but you have to expect that, even at area level, in a busy division like welter. It's not a problem to me.
"From what I saw of the Garton fight, Fields was doing well until he got caught. I'm not looking past him, I know it will be tough, but I don't want to drop back down to easy fights."
Morris needs two successful defences to claim a Midlands title outright and could even look to upgrade his standing.
Garton has vacated, with John O'Donnell and Erick Ochieng to contest the belt on March 18. British champion Bradley Skeete has been paired with Shayne Singleton.
Sam Eggington, who Morris holds a victory over from the amateurs, has also been made the mandatory challenger to Ceferino Rodriguez's European crown.
Morris added: "It could all change, titles get vacated and people have their shot. I'm not really one to be calling anybody out.
"I've only had seven fights, so I'm perhaps ahead of where I should be and maybe I'll get underestimated along the way.
"At the moment, my only focus is Fields and staying at the level I worked hard to reach, but I'm not saying no to anything, either."
Morris is looking for another sponsor, after reaching the end of his agreement with hydraulic components provider Flowfit.
He's retained his backing from building materials supplier Mapei and central heating service South Shropshire Gas.
Older brother Stefan provided him with a courtesy car through his business Morris Autos & Car Sales, on Corve Street in Ludlow, and he remains behind the wheel of the Peugeot 206 vehicle.
Tickets are on sale for Morris versus Fields now, priced at £30 and £60 ringside. For more information and about sponsorship, call Craig's father Duncan Morris on 07890 844 418.
