MATTHEW Morton is celebrating his second boxing championship belt having won the super middleweight title on Streetbeefz3, a local promotion which features ultra-light four-oz gloves and bare-knuckle fights.

Morton was successful at the latest event, held in Consett.

The Willington resident, who hails from Carlisle and now works as a manager for Wesser Charity Fundraising on behalf of St. John’s Ambulance, credits boxing as the force that’s turned his life around.

"I’m an ex-heroin and crack addict, sober four years now," said Morton.

"I was sexually abused as a kid, so I’ve been fighting something my whole life, whether it’s pain, drugs or people.

"I got into boxing and competing to focus my attention on something good. I’d boxed as a kid before the drugs took over, so I wanted to get back to the boxing to help overcome trauma."

"I spent too long in trouble and locked up because I lacked the discipline that boxing has since taught me."

Morton fights in slim 4oz MMA gloves or bareknuckle depending on the show.

He's next out on a show in Liverpool at the end of this month before a title shot in North Wales in August and expects to be on the next Streetbeez promotiom.

Ryan Flavours, one of the owners of the Streetbeefz promotion, said: "Planning for Streetbeefz 4 later in the year is well underway after the recent Consett show and two earlier in the year in Middlesbrough.

"We intend for it to become the leading hybrid boxing promotion in the north. Matthew is keen to fight frequently.

"If any other promotions want to give him the opportunity, then please contact us on social media at Streetbeefz or e-mail Ryan.streetbeefzuk@gmail.com."

 Morton is sponsored by UK Resin Flooring, Bishop Ink house and Mondo Gecko photography.

New potential sponsors can contact him on Facebook or by e-mail at matthewmorton701@gmail.com.