Morris: now I know I can reach top level

Lewis Morris…fought his heart out. Pic: MSN Images/BCB Promotions

IT’S rare that a fighter’s stock soars after defeat. But, let’s be honest, Lewis Morris is in a better place now than before his loss to red-hot prospect Joe McGrail.

He’s actually been lifted by a loss.

No wonder trainer Richard Carter told me: “We’re over the moon, Lewis is over the moon. He’ll be a totally different kid next time you see him box.”

Let’s be honest. Not many gave the Walsall feather a prayer of a chance at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on Saturday night.

I didn’t give him a prayer. Liverpool’s McGrail, now unbeaten in 11, was the star on his way to big things. Morris was considered a mere stepping stone.

Lewis, 22, had already tasted defeat twice in 10 fights and failed at area title level. He was experiencing big, arena boxing for the first time. It can drown some men.

Yet he proved a revelation. He rose to the occasion.

A blow by blow account of the action is superfluous. Fans have seen the televised bout.

After suffering a knockdown in the second, Morris gave the hot favourite a real fight – and grew in confidence with every session.

The 79-72 scoreline from Steve Gray did not reflect a sterling performance from a young man I feared could be overwhelmed.

His reward is more appearance on major shows staged by major promoter Matchroom. Eddie Hearn wants him back.

“I think I showed I can compete at that higher level,” Lewis, who boxes under the BCB banner, told me. “I know I’ve got my losses, but I’ve never been outclassed in any bout.

“I believe, with a few more rounds, it would’ve been even closer. As it was, I believe the score should’ve been closer.

“I always thought I had the ability, but I showed how much of a boxer I am. I never felt out of my depth in there. He (McGrail) is strong, but I felt I was a better boxer. He was just a very physical, strong kid.

“I know I can reach those top levels. I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing and not worry about records.

“I’m 22, I’ve got a lot of time to get to where I want to be.”

Lewis added: “Being on that stage was something I dreamed about since I started boxing and now I crave to get back on there.

“It looks like I’ll be boxing locally before the end of the year, then on another Matchroom show in the new year in a fight I think is winnable.”

Trainer Carter said: “They never gave Lewis a prayer, yet he went in there and did what he did. Defeat has done him no harm, Matchroom have said they’ll have him back. He was given an opportunity and took it with both hands. I’m proud of him.”

Morris has shown what Carter’s Wolverhampton gym is made of. Next to perform under the bright lights is Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards who will also be a prohibitive underdog for his welterweight clash with former WBO welter champ Eithan James at Resorts World this Saturday.

He’ll be inspired by the mockery Morris made of the odds against him.