‘The public have not seen half of what I can do,’ says Morris
Lewis Morris…big things beckon. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB Promotions
FOR Lewis Morris, Wolverhampton’s Hangar venue represents the final hurdle before his title quest hits full throttle.
If the super-bantam emerges victorious on BCB Promotions’ major “Independence Day” bill next Friday, July 4, a bout for some kind of belt beckons, he believes.
“English, silver or Commonwealth – as long as it’s for a title,” Lewis, a sports teacher by day, said. “I’d prefer super-bantam, but I’ll take it at featherweight. I believe I can win a British title. I haven’t shown half of what I’m capable of.”
But first the Walsall 24-year-old has to have his hand raised at the Hangar on a crammed bill headlined by the Midlands featherweight title clash between Sian O’Toole and Doina Costin. The date comes just five weeks after Lewis fought in Cannock.
Many fighters have dared to look beyond their next bout and come a cropper.
Morris, part of Richard Carter’s booming Wolverhampton gym, insists no corner has been cut. Next Friday is important to the boxer and his fans.
“They have been loyal,” he said. “Despite the losses, all the same people have kept coming. I come from a good area in Walsall and they have stuck by me. I know where I want to be and I need this fight to get there.”
To date there have been three defeats in a 12 bout career. They include a fairly meaningless early four round setback and a close points loss to Black Country rival Ryan Griffiths in a Midlands featherweight title epic.
Lewis also earned applause for his stand against highly touted Joe McGrail on a major arena show. He lost the decision, but found a lot of new fans.
“I’m 23, there are not many boxers my age taking the opponents I’m taking,” he said. “When the opposition is stepped up, I step up. I think the opportunities are there for me to have and I’ve shown I can compete at that level.
“The one I wanted was (WBC youth featherweight champ) Umar Khan, but I think he’s been offered something big. I know I lost a Midlands title fight, although I thought I won it, but I believe I’m a bit past that level.”
“I want fights that will progress my career and I believe the phone is going to start ringing. But they have to be the right fights, we’re not going to take something silly.”
*“Independence Day” on July 4 also features top Black Country prospects Ryan Woolridge and Ben Collins. Callum Seedhouse looks to build on his explosive debut at the same venue in May and Hamza Azeem has his first fight on home turf after boxing in Riyadh’s Grand Prix tournament. Mia Holland and Ashley Vaughan will be aiming to extend their unbeaten runs, Willenhall middleweight Regan Williams makes his debut and Stafford’s big punching Ashley Pettigrew can be relied on to provide fireworks.
Final tickets are available now, priced at £45 for general admission and £80 for VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.