Marcus Morrison is targeting his first professional title on Saturday night in Manchester
Tuesday 3 May 2016 17:17, UK
Marcus Morrison will fight for his first professional title on Saturday night as he faces Jefferson Luiz De Souza for the vacant WBC International middleweight crown at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.
Morrison, 23, kicked off the year with two first round KO wins, underlining his potential as one to watch in 2016, after stepping up from super-welterweight.
And Morrison, nicknamed 'Sweet M 'n M', hopes he can win the first of many titles in his 11th pro fight on the undercard of gym-mate Anthony Crolla's WBA World lightweight title defence against Ismael Barroso.
"I am delighted to be fighting for my first title in Manchester," said Morrison. "I was a big super-welterweight so I have no doubt that my power will still be too much for my opponents at 160lbs.
"I was happy with both of my performances this year. They were both early nights and I think now it is time I got some rounds in and moved up.
"There is no reason why I can't be in the mix at English level and I think in the next 12 to 18 months there is no reason why I won't be in contention for the British titles as well.
"Saturday is a huge night for my gym mate Anthony Crolla. When you hear about fighters becoming a world champion they always say it is harder to stay at the top because you are gunned for but I think Anthony is a genuine world champion and I think he will be there for a long time.
"He has prepared well, he has studied Barroso, and I think the game plan will come off and come Sunday morning he will still have his belt."
Live Fight Night
Morrison's first title fight comes on a huge night of action in Manchester, headlined by Crolla's clash with the Venezuelan hard-hitter Barroso.
Shayne Singleton takes on Leeds' Adil Anwar for the WBC silver welterweight title, while two former world title challengers Paul Smith and Martin Murray plot their assaults on the super-middleweight belt holders.
It will be a busy night for trainer Joe Gallagher as Callum Johnson and Hosea Burton join Crolla and Morrison in action, while there is also a return to the ring for Hull lightweight Tommy Coyle.
