Brandon Morris first boxed aged thirteen on a show at the King's Hall. Now a twenty-two-year-old coach builder Morris is celebrating winning his bare-knuckle debut at Fenton Manor.

"I wanted to be a bare-knuckle boxer because having had a good number of regular boxing fights I needed to challenge myself and hopefully get to a good level in bare-knuckle. I fancied a change. I love fighting it's my bread and butter and bare knuckle is a lot more challenging than gloved bouts."

Fighting on the Bad to the Bone show organised by Stoke promoter Stefan Hanks, Morris explained that he'd "trained the hardest I've ever trained for a fight up to four times a week at the Chris Edwards Boxing Academy in Longton with lots of running to develop cardio. The atmosphere at Fenton was electric as I walked to the ring with my music being 'Kisses' by Camrin Watson. It felt amazing and I even ended up doing a little dance while heading into the ring. I was cool headed and listened to instructions from Stefan. I managed to keep my opponent at range but as opportunities arose, I unloaded repeated shots to his body and head. I made it my fight. In the end his corner threw in the towel. I'd hurt him and I'd won."

Morris first boxed aged 13 at a show at Kings Hall, Stoke (Michael Ault Photography).

Former St. Margaret Ward Catholic Academy student Morris recognises that bare-knuckle boxing has a reputation for danger. "I came out of my fight unscathed but truthfully, I'm not that concerned about the risks. Everything good in life has risks. There was some blood spilt in my fight, but it wasn't a bloodbath. I respect my opponents. It's takes guts and courage that's the truth. Very few gloved boxers are confident enough to fight bare knuckle. I don't set out to hurt. But I'll always hit my opponent repeatedly as hard as I can and do whatever is necessary to prove what I'm made of by winning. As of course will he. I've benefitted from Steff Hanks coaching me as he pushes us hard to correct bad habits quickly."

"I've not ruled out going back to gloved bouts but I'm ambitious to reach a high level in bare-knuckle boxing. Boxers my age would normally do. I can't name any other bare-knuckle boxer as young as me. When I achieve something in bare knuckle boxing, I feel good about it. I can't wait for my next bout on 7th December. I'm aiming for enhanced strength and fitness to put on another class performance."

Morris' next bout is scheduled for 7 December (Michael Ault Photography).

Morris is seeking sponsors. "I'd appreciate any help offered by individuals and local businesses to help me with all the expenses. In return I promise to do my best to reach the pinnacle of this sport which is developing rapidly in Britain."

Potential sponsors can contact Morris directly on 07341 897392 or by email [email protected].

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