Morris motors in perfect tune-up

THE MIDLAND BOXING BEAT WITH MIKE LOCKLEY

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EWIS Morris was tossed something of a firecracker last Friday in the form of short, stocky Argentinian Fernando Joaquin Valdez.

The Walsall feather stayed calm in the face of the South American's rushing attacks - he sometimes ran into the fray, ignored the showboating, shrugged off a couple of low blows and took a clear six-round decision.

On BCB's big show at the Hangar, Wolverhampton, Morris gave a controlled, technically pleasing display to take referee Ryan Churchill's 59-55 decision.

Others may have been sucked into the brawl Valdez wanted. Morris chipped away and selected his shots.

What the visitor provided was a perfect tuneup for Lewis as he prepares for title action - possibly at super-bantam.

"An English title (fight) could be next for him," said trainer Richard Carter. "I thought Lewis boxed well, maybe he could have let the right hand go a bit more. But he never stopped coming, the lad (Valdez)."

He came to win and Morris (9st 7lbs) had to stay alert and sharp. Valdez (9st 8lbs) began aggressively, but took right hands and left hooks to the body coming in.

Those chopping rights from Lewis landed with regularity.

I thought he took the third with rushing attacks, only to pay for it in the following round. Valdez’s head was snapped back by a right - a sharp shot that brought a glower from the visitor. He is a very tough hombre.