Ryan Griffiths isn't happy after retaining Midlands Area featherweight title against Lewis Morris

Ryan Griffiths retains Midlands Area featherweight title against Lewis Morris

Dudley's Ryan Griffiths retained his Midlands Area Featherweight title but once again had to settle for a draw after 10 thrilling rounds in his rematch with Walsall's Lewis Morris Friday night at the WV Active in Wolverhampton, headlining BCB Promotions' 'Unfinished Business'.

The two men met last March, with Griffiths edging a 96-94 points win in a fight of the year contender, and both looked keen to pick up where they had left off, throwing shots from the opening bell. In their first encounter Griffiths got off to a dominant start against a sluggish Morris, but it was roles reversed this time as the challenger came out much quicker, catching Griffiths early in the opening round.

Morris continued his confident start in the second, landing a painful-looking left hook, a weapon he would look to throughout the fight. Griffiths, making the second defence of his title, his first a draw with Jack Dillingham in June, is a natural fighter, and his output and bravery drew him back into the bout at the midway stage. It was a true back-and-forth affair; a spray of sweat flew from the champion's brow after a right hand in the sixth, and the two traded heavy-looking left hands as the pace of the fight began to slow.

Griffiths tried to capitalise when Morris switched southpaw, landing some point-scoring shots, but the Wolverhampton Boxing Club corner looked the happier as the fight headed to the championship rounds.

Both men laid it on the line in the final round, and the crowd at the WV Active were on their feet as defence went out the window as the two traded heavy blows as the final seconds ticked down.

It was a really tricky fight to judge with so many rounds up for interpretation, and that was reflected by scoring referee Chris Dean as he failed to separate the two, scoring it 95-95.

“It was a bit of a shock to the system,” said Griffiths after the fight. “I want to get past the Midlands level; I wanted to show I can box as well as fight. I'm brutally honest—I thought Lewis might have nicked that. I had to play catch-up, but I managed to get the draw. I'm not sure how many more wars I can do. I'm going to sit and think about what’s next.”

Morris was visibly frustrated with the result. “I thought the result was unfair; I thought I won it clearly. I’m not sure what the judges were looking at. We wanted to win the first five and start fast. I felt I hurt him, but he’s a fit and strong lad. I still want the English title fight next; that’s why I took this, so we will see what happens.”

Brandon Bethell vs Josh Morris

Chief support Midlands Area Super Featherweight champion Brandon Bethell handled a late change of opponent with class, outpointing the tricky and charismatic Josh Morris over six rounds in a non-title fight. The popular ticket seller and Wolves fanatic has been called out by former opponent Nico Ogbeide and hot prospect Ibraheem Sulaimaan, and it won't be long before major fights on televised shows come calling. The 24-year-old was boxing up at a higher weight for this one against southpaw Morris, who did his best to win over a few fans with his Wolves shirt and liquidator entrance music.

There was plenty of offensive output from Bethell, who worked away well to the body early, but he was taking some leather in return as coach Gavin Burrows implored him to give himself space and work the angles. The TMA Trojan-trained talent duly obliged, landing some heavy blows which Morris took well. Referee Ryan Churchill saw it 60-54 for Bethell's seventh career win, and his legion of fans can look forward to some bigger nights ahead.

Telford's Bradley Thompson warmed up for his Midlands Flyweight Title fight against Brad Coley in December with a 39-37 points win against Nicaraguan Darwing Martinez.

The unbeaten Paige Goodyear is closing on a title shot of her own, and she banked another six rounds easily, outpointing Argentinian Erica Alvarez, who was deducted a point for holding, 60-53.

Elsewhere on the show, James Griffiths picked up his ninth straight win in the evening's opener against Josh Cook 40-36.

Callum Seedhouse notched his third win in five months, beating Garth Noot 40-36.

Regan Williams beat 190-fight veteran Jordan Grannum 39-37.

Jacob Lloyd returned to winning ways against Ryan Labourn 40-36.

Conor Baker moved closer to his first title fight with a six-round victory against Karl Sampson 60-54.