Ludlow’s Craig Morris narrowly lost out on his English super Welterweight title challenge in a cracking fight against Jack Flatley. Morris took on Flatley in his home town of Bolton at the Whites Hotel where he battled hard going the full 10 round losing on the judges score cards. The fight seemed a lot closer than the 3 judges had it, they scored the contest 98-93, 97-93 and 97-93 all in favour of Flatley. The fight has already been referred to as a small hall thriller and a contender for fight of the year. Morris (27) gave Flatley trouble from his southpaw stances all the way through the 10 round fight as they went toe to toe in the squared circle. Flatley 24 who had now took his unbeaten record to 15 wins and 1 draw said after the fight “I can’t give enough respect to Craig Morris for that fight. I’m champion of England and in an absolute war”. He continued “I think a lot of people are already talking about that as a fight of the year contender on a small hall show. I know I’ve got a big heart. I’ve shown that in the past and I definitely showed it in that fight.”
The former Welterweight Midlands area champion took to social media and wrote this, he said “Thanks for all the messages off everyone since and before the fight my phones gone wild. Gutted about the result on Saturday, worked so hard for it and the end scores did not reflect the fight. On another note I wouldn’t of performed and been in that position without my team. Stumpy Chinnock I cannot thank this man enough for his time and everything he puts into camp every time, he is one of a kind. I’d like to thank Bcb and Dave for getting me to the point of fighting for an English title, Paul for all his work in the corner and support. My sponsors Mapei UK Ltd Sigma UK Jrs construction, Worm dangling, Morris autos, SS plumbing, Buck & Bear Barbershop, Fletch, Tippy, Walls, Thank you all. To all the travelling fans that made it, I’m so grateful for your support every time and to my dad that does his best to sort as much of the tickets as possible taking the pressure off! Also to my beautiful wife Lorna Morris for all her work and support all the time couldn’t do it without you. Dexter’s Thoughts
I have watched Morrus boxes on BcB shows on a number of occasions and have always been impressed, he has a good work rate and a come forward attitude which is always a crowd pleaser. Morris was always going to be up against it going to Bolton taking on an unbeaten fighter in Flatley. The score cards did not reflect the effort Morris put into this fight, but this happens when you fight away from home. Morris can walk away feeling very proud of himself and I’m sure he will be back in title contention very soon. The one thing he has proved is that he is at English level and above. The Birmingham boxing column looks forward to seeing Morris back in the ring soon.