Shropshire’s Craig Morris takes on Staffordshire’s Andy Keates in his first defence of his IBO Continental Welterweight Title on BCB Promotions ‘Now or Never show’ – sponsored by BWI events – at the Genting Arena, on Saturday evening writes Max Miller.
The 25 year-old, who hails from Ludlow, lifted the strap with a unanimous points victory over Ryan Martin back in December and has been in camp virtually ever since.
With just one defeat on his record – at the fists of Ryan Fields for the Midlands Area Title he once held – he is respectful of the threat Keates poses, believes there will only be one winner this evening.
“I’m ready for tonight,” he told bcb-promotions.com. “I’ve had more than enough time to prepare so, I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m over the moon to have already won the IBO belt so any advance on this is a bonus for me, whatever opportunities come up I’ll assess with my team and go from there, I’ve got in 100% trust in my team and their opinion.
“Andy is a tough guy. He’s fought at a very good level and is a threat. I just think I’ll have a bit much for him over ten rounds.
“This is a massive opportunity for me and I can’t wait to headline the Genting Arena. It’s the biggest night of my boxing career to date. This is what I’ve been working so hard for so long for.
“It’s always been about boxing for me. I think I started when I was 14 then I had a year out before changing between amateur and pro for family commitments. It was just something I was interested in, I asked my dad about going boxing and that’s how Ludlow Boxing Club started up.
“It’s been some journey but it’s not over yet. I’m going to push on from here. I’d like to thank my team, family, friends, sponsors and fans for their continued support. I will do you all proud.”
Another IBO Continental strap is up for grabs as Birmingham’s Andrew Robinson battles Brighton’s Nicky Jenman for the vacant middleweight crown.
Two Area Titles are also on the line as Wolverhampton’s Kyle Williams takes on Nottingham’s Jordan turner for the Midlands Area Bantamweight strap and Birmingham’s Kash Ali steps in with Sheffield’s David Howe for the Central Area Heavyweight crown.
A whole host of local prospects – Kelcie Ball, Tommy Ghent, Mussab Abubaker, Shakkan Pitters and Tommy Loach – also feature.
The weigh-in takes place at the Arden Hotel and Spa, Birmingham, at 2.00pm today. All welcome!
Tickets are available from the ticketfactory.com, or the boxers direct, priced at £40, £60, £100 or £150.
Tickets, from £40, are available from theticketfactory.com
