Morris on a high for his return to Hangar

Morris (right) and Griffiths: Pic: Manjit Narotra MSN Images/BCB

AN impressive showing at Manchester’s new Co-op Arena against the much-hyped Joe McGrail has given Lewis Morris a huge confidence boost as he heads back to the Hangar, Wolverhampton, for BCB’s “Backlash” show on December 6, writes PAUL WEBB.

The 22-year-old featherweight, from Walsall, grasped that opportunity with both hands, and despite coming away on the wrong end of a 79-72 points decision, gained plaudits from pundits, promoter Eddie Hearn, and the fans.

 Lewis said: "The whole event was class and was easily the best thing I have been a part of. I showed that I can compete, landing some good shots and I think the scoring was wider than the fight was.

“The knockdown played a part, but I felt like if it had been over 10 or 12 rounds, I could have closed the gap and won. There is a lot of hype behind McGrail and he was good, but it wasn't anything special or levels above who I have boxed before.”

 Despite the well-deserved credit, that loss was the second on the spin for Lewis after an unsuccessful shot at the Midlands featherweight title against Ryan Griffiths in March. The fight was decided by the narrowest of margins—a single round on referee Chris Dean’s scorecard. It is sure to be nominated for Midlands fight of the year, and the board has put the highly anticipated rematch out to purse bids. It’s an opportunity Morris is more than keen to take up.

 "It will be nice to end the year with a win, on a high note even though I have had the two losses in a row,” he said. “I felt I beat Ryan, and I felt brilliant in both. My stock has risen and I know the Board has ordered the rematch for the Midlands title, so whether that comes on a local show or if it lands on TV, it's a fight I really want. There are other possibilities, so it's not guaranteed to happen - we will have to just wait and see.”

 Away from the ring, Morris’ life took an exciting turn as he and his partner welcomed a baby daughter in May. The new arrival has taken the already dedicated trainer up to a new level as his responsibilities have grown.

 "Becoming a dad has pushed my motivation up and up,” he added. “In the gym, I am working harder than ever, and we know the things to work on and improve. It's about adding little bits and sharpening up some things. I'm always in exciting fights, and this one will be more of the same.”

 *Tickets for Backlash are available now priced at £45 standard and £80 VIP from the boxers or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.