LUDLOW’S Craig Morris feels ready to take his career on to the next level after winning the Midlands Area Welterweight title on Saturday.

The 24-year-old southpaw saw off Nathan McIntosh on points at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke to take the belt less than 18 months after his first professional outing.

It was Morris’s seventh straight win since turning pro and with the potential for added exposure via broadcaster Box Nation, he is looking to kick on in the months ahead.

Morris said: “It was a massive scalp and a great result but I trained and worked really hard for it. I had my eye on him the whole time so it was well earned.

“On paper, I might not have been the favourite. He was ranked higher and had not lost in 10 fights to my six but we were always confident.

“I managed to step up and this fight has put me up there a bit more. The whole show was brilliant and the people that ran it said the fight could be put on Box Nation so hopefully, that will do me some good in terms of profile.

“I have to say a big thank you to the fans who came across and also to my sponsors. The support and financial backing has been immense.”

Morris has yet to firm up plans for his next fight but could return to the ring before Christmas.

“A lot depends on what opportunities come up, it is something we will talk about over the next week or two,” he added.