Griffiths takes a bold step-up to title class

Ryan Griffiths…title chance. Picture: MSN Images/BCB Promotions

LESS than a year into his career, Ryan Griffiths has taken the plunge, dropping two weight classes to challenge Lewis Morris for the vacant Midlands featherweight title, writes PAUL WEBB.

The pair clash on BCB Promotions’ “Havoc At The Hangar VIII” show in Wolverhampton on March 8.

 Ryan, from Dudley, has just four fights on his record, winning all of them on points, and has boxed up at lightweight in each of those contests.

 The opportunity to box for a title down at featherweight was one the 23-year-old was keen to take, and he has been preparing fearlessly for the task.

“I didn’t expect to get such a big fight so early in my career,” said Griffiths. “I had no amateur background and only a handful of fights before turning professional just last year.

“I know it is going to be worth taking the risk and the challenge of dropping down two weight classes.

“I have been working with Liam Davies’ nutritionist to make sure I make the weight right, and it has been a properly regimented camp. The way I see it, if I train like the champions do then it puts me in the best position to succeed. I see what Liam and Tyler Denny do every day and see what it takes to get to that level.”

Griffiths trains at the BCB gym in Wednesbury and has been getting in a lot of rounds with Ameen Khalid, who is also fighting for a Midlands title up at lightweight on March 1 in Coventry.

“Sparring has been great. Ameen Khalid has a big fight coming up, both of us have our first 10 round fights, and we sparred a full 10 together last week, so we are both as prepared as possible.”

Morris trains out of Richie Carter’s gym in Wolverhampton and has won eight of his nine fights, with his only blemish being a four-round point loss to Tatenda Mangombe. Entering his third year in the paid ranks, the 22-year-old has the edge in experience and has also boxed three six rounders.

“Lewis has the big amateur pedigree,” said Ryan. “He is going to try and keep it long and box at distance, but it’s down to me to make sure that doesn’t happen. There is no bad blood between us.

“I like him as a person, I know him from the times he has been in the gym and although I haven’t spoken to him before, I respect the experience he has. He may have that background, but I have the grit and determination in me to dig in and make it a battle.

“It doesn’t bother me that some might see me as the away fighter. I don’t see it that way - both of us are from the Black Country, and we will put on a show for the supporters on the night.

“Hopefully, a win will put me high up in the featherweight rankings and then I’m fine to step down to six rounds just to tick that box - I have only boxed fours - and then I will see what comes my way. I’m bringing that Midlands title back to Dudley.”

*Tickets for Havoc at the Hangar VIII are now available, priced at £40 standard and £75 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.