Craig Morris drops down at Walsall FC
Shropshire's Craig Morris will start the drop down to welterweight at Walsall Football Club tonight.
The first professional boxer from Ludlow in over 75 years next steps through the ropes in the Stadium Suite at the Banks's,
The former Ludlow School captain this time shares a ring with never-stopped London-based Italian Victor Edagha over four rounds.
They'll meet at a catchweight of 10st 12lb, as Morris begins to come down to what he believes will be his title weight at welter.
The 23-year-old already has next fight date in the bag, too, heading back to the same venue on Saturday October 10.
And after plummeling Viktors Drizlionoks in the third round of his last fight, Morris believes he'll be more imposing in the lower division.
He said: "I'll be coming in a bit lighter for this one and again in five weeks for my next time, as I look to move down to welter.
"That's where I'd be really big at the weight and I think I'd still keep my endurance and power, which is so important.
"I want to be busy and keep my name out there, so it's great to have two bouts to prepare for. There's more of a path for me."
Walsall has proved a happy hunting ground from the start of Morris' paid career, which began with a hard-fought points win over former Midlands champion Kevin McCauley.
It was back to the Town Hall just under three months later in June to take out the game Drizlionoks, who had his nose broken.
He'd been floored by a right uppercut to the chin and was pulled out with 36 seconds of round three left, coming under fire with spiteful hooks to the body after being trapped in the corner.
Morris said: "The lad had come to win, but was a bit gung-ho about the way he was boxing and I capitalised on it.
"I have to be careful I don't do the same thing this time as I don't know much about my opponent, apart from the fact he's never been knocked out.
"I expect him to be durable and to know what he's doing in the ring, I'm going in there expecting a tough fight.
"I'd love the same result as last time, but I need to work him out first and that means using my skill, then power if I can break him down."
Morris expects to bring strong support with him again from Ludlow, with over 60 of his supporters planning to make the trip.
He added: "The town has been brilliant in supporting me, so far, and new people are following what I'm doing all of the time. I'm building a good fan base."
Tickets will be available on the door tonight, priced £30 standard and £40 stage ringside.
