MIDLANDS Area Welterweight champion Craig Morris is happy to keep creating attention – even if his first crown arrived ahead of schedule.

The 24-year-old Ludlow boxer returns to the ring on Saturday to face former champion Ryan Fields, defending the belt he won with a seventh straight professional success in October.

And although he had to watch back his triumph in order to recall it, his mind remains focused on the job in hand.

"At the time it was all a blur to be honest," he said. "I didn't really take any notice of the ring walk, the building or the crowd, I just wanted to get the job done.

“It was definitely good to watch it back and relive it on Box Nation. I didn't expect to have the chance to go for a belt until at least the middle of this year so to win was unbelievable, a dream come true."

On his next challenge, Morris added: “Ryan is a tough opponent. I don’t know loads about him as I don't tend to look into opponents too much really. My trainer does that kind of work.

"I’ve known for a fairly long time that I'd have to defend the title by the end of February, so I was able to stay in shape over Christmas and I’ve really knuckled down since the turn of the year.

"It’s great to be involved on another Ricky Hatton promotion and I’m hoping to put in another performance that will keep everybody talking."

Morris’s fight forms part of Hatton’s Time to Shine show at the Fenton Sports Complex, Stoke. Tickets cost £30 with coach travel available for £12. Both can be booked through Duncan Morris on 07890 844418.