Griffiths too polished for newcomer Morris

Ryan Griffiths...now unbeaten in six. Pic: MSN Images/BCB Promotions

RYAN Griffiths incessantly worked the body and had things pretty much his own way in gaining whitewash victory over fellow Black Country boxer Joshua Morris.

For Morris, it was a baptism of fire at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms. The Wednesbury lad made his debut against the current Midlands featherweight champ who is now unbeaten in six.

He had only heart and a distinct advantage in weight – Morris came in as a full blown welter - to offer.

Griffiths, from Dudley, predictably dominated the action and, in the fourth and final round, blood poured from Morris’ nose. Referee Ryan Churchill’s 40-36 was a formality.

Griffiths is a compact, talented fighter, but the bout again raises the question of whether he is a true feather.

Griffiths has his hand raised after outpointing Morris

He’s made the nine stone limit once and showed stamina to outpoint Black Country Promotions stablemate Lewis Morris for the area title. There was no sign of being weight weakened in that barnstormer.

Before that, the 23-year-old had competed as a lightweight. And last night, Griffiths looked trim at 10st 2oz (light-welter).

“I’ve always thought lightweights are a bit too big and strong,” Ryan told me after the fight. “Maybe super-feather is right.”

He and Lewis Morris are scheduled to stage a title return, although Lewis plans to fight on a TV show before that happens.

Griffiths is in no mood to sit and wait for the return. “I’m in two minds about the rematch,” he admitted. “Beating him again would give me some Brownie points, I suppose.

“He’s said he can’t see me beating him again, he’s said he’ll walk through me. I don’t understand the trash talk nonsense – we’re both Black Country Boxing fighters.”

Griffiths said he felt comfortable against Joshua Morris (10st 6lbs 7oz) and looked it. By the second, Morris was in full retreat as Ryan landed stiff jabs, then worked the body with both hands.

A right uppercut snapped Morris’ head back in the third and by the finish he was trapped on the ropes and taking a steady stream of punches.

Joshua’s blood stained features broke into a broad grin at the final bell. That may have been a show of relief.

In defeat, Morris showed he’s tough and game. He deserved to hear the final bell.