Morris stays poised to outpoint brawler

Lewis Morris has Valdez covering up on Friday. Picture: BCB Promotions

LEWIS Morris was tossed something of a fire-cracker on 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 tune-up for Lewis as he prepares for title action – possibly at super-bantam.

“An English title (fight) could be next for him,” trainer Richard Carter said. “I thought Lewis boxed well, maybe he could’ve 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’ head was snapped back by a right – a sharp shot that brought a glower from the visitor. He is a very tough hombre.

By the fifth, both had found another gear and blazed away. Valdez kept bulling forward in the last, flinging punches at his opponent’s long body, and, on my card, nicked the session.

Morris’ better boxing saw him through, now stiffer tests await.

That was the 24-year-old’s 10th win in 13 outings.