LUDLOW’S Craig Morris will defend his Midlands Area Welterweight title during Ricky Hatton’s Time To Shine show in Stoke on February 18.

The 24-year-old, unbeaten in his seven professional outings to date, takes on former champion Ryan Fields of Belper at the Fenton Sports Complex, Stoke.

Southpaw Morris claimed the belt, which had been vacated by Fields in March last year, with a 10-round points win over Nathan McIntosh in October and started preparations for his defence by accepting an invite to spar at Hatton’s gym for two days with up-and-coming fighters Rueben Arrowsmith and Sam Evans.

Fields relinquished his crown, earned by beating Birmingham’s Karl Wiggins in a fifth-round stoppage, in order to focus on contesting the English title but lost in the fourth round to Johnny Garton.

En route to his first professional accolade, Morris secured a pair of technical knock-outs in his first six fights. The victory over William Warburton at Ludlow Racecourse was among his four points successes.

Tickets for the forthcoming event cost £30 with coach travel also available for £12. Both can be booked through Duncan Morris on 07890 844418.