WATCH: Marcus Morrison switched to boxing after Manchester City rejection
Wednesday 21 September 2016 10:15, UK
Marcus Morrison might have been turning out for Manchester City instead of rising up the middleweight ranks had he not been released by the Premier League club at the age of 16.
Morrison, who claimed the WBC international middleweight belt in May, is preparing for the 13th professional fight of his promising young career on Saturday's undercard to the Anthony Crolla-Jorge Linares bout in Manchester.
Yet it could have been so different for the 23-year-old, who was picked up by the City academy at the age of 11 before being released at 16 for being too small.
"I was a defender and had to have a bit of height and strength about me," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "They said I'd never get past 5ft 10in and here I am now at 6ft."
That rejection saw him return to his other passion and pursue a career in boxing.
"I was getting in the car at the amateur gym and driving to train at City and getting ready in the car, getting there a couple of minutes late," he added. "I was doing both and when City released me I just thought I'd go back to what else I'm good at and picked up from where I left off.
"I wouldn't be in the sport if I didn't think I could be the best. I'm not going to be in the sport and box to just get by. I'm in it to be the best and I honestly believe I can get there."
Click on the video above to see Marcus' story from academy prospect to boxing champion...
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