03.11.06 – In a terrific Battle of Britain on December 9, Andy Morris will defend his British featherweight title against John Simpson at London’s ExCel. It will be the second time the two stylists have duked it out, with Morris, 14-0 (4) looking to confirm the superiority he displayed in Glasgow to win the Lonsdale belt last year. Fighting for the vacant title that night at the Braehead Arena, the Wythenshawe Warrior won a clear and unanimous verdict over Simpson 13-4 (3.).
But the Scotsman, who will fight for the British title for a third time, is backing his luck to change.
“The better man on the night won last time around, but I’m determined to get the right result in London,” said 23-year-old Simpson, who blamed a bout of ‘flu for his defeat to Morris.
“Ever since I lost to Andy all I’ve been thinking about his revenge, and I’m so happy that I’ve finally got my chance. I wasn’t right and everyone who knows me could see that.”
For Morris, also 23, the fight represents a chance to take a step closer to a Lonsdale belt outright.
Following the defeat of Simpson he ground out a hard-fought win over Rendall Munroe in Edinburgh in April, leaving him just two defences away from winning the British title for keeps.
“I’m more than happy to fight Simpson for a second time, and the result will be the same, don’t worry about that,” said Morris.
“John’s a good fighter, but I’ve come on leaps and bounds since our first meeting and people will see that on December 9. There’s only one winner.”
Morris-Simpson is part of an action-packed ExCel card, with Scott Harrison’s WBO featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook and Matt Skelton’s Commonwealth heavyweight title defence against Audley Harrison headlining.
Amir Khan fights over eight rounds for the first time, while Tony Oakey challenges for the British light-heavyweight crown against Peter Oboh.