DERRY'S WORLD TITLE FIGHT ON BOXNATION

Derry Mathews' IBO world lightweight title fight at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday 20th January, when he challenges Emiliano Marsili for the vacant belt, will be live on BoxNation.

The show will now be jointly promoted by Frank Warren and Stephen Vaughan Jnr, resulting with the card being televised live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456, Virgin Ch. 546).

 

Derry, the former WBU featherweight champion, was last in action in October when he challenged European lightweight champion Gavin Rees for his title, but the contest was ruled a technical draw after four rounds when a clash of heads left Mathews with a badly broken nose.

 

The 28-year-old had a good run this year before Rees, winning the IBO International title against Scott Lawton; the English title with a first round stoppage of Amir Unsworth and halting Stephen Jennings in the sixth round to claim the British Masters title.

 

Lazio born Marsili, ranked ninth in Europe, is the current Italian champion and is unbeaten in 24 fights, but this will be his first fight outside of his country.

 

"It's great to be the main event in my home city for this title opportunity and I'm going to win it in front of my fans,"  says Derry. "The fight will be live on the new UK fight channel BoxNation that has already televised some great fights this and I'm looking to put on a good show for the viewers against Marsili.

 

"I'm not expecting an easy night, he's unbeaten, he's away from home so all the pressure will be on me to perform, but I'll rise to the occasion."

 

Vaughan said: "It's set to be a cracking show featuring some of Liverpool's best up-and-coming talent and headlined by Liverpool's favourite son Derry Matthews. He's got a tough fight on his hands, but we've worked hard to get Marsili over here and now it's down to Derry to win the title on his patch."

 

Frank Warren added: "Mathews v Marsili is another good fight added to January's schedule that also features the British Cruiserweight title between Leon Williams and Tony Conquest with more fights to be announced."

 

Tickets are on sale now from the Olmpia box office on 0151 263 6633.

DERRY CALLS ON OLYMPIAN STALKER

By Elliot Foster, junior reporter

Beatles fan Derry Mathews is hoping for a 'little help from his friends' as he prepares for his IBO lightweight world title fight with unbeaten Italian Emiliano Marsili in January.

I caught up with Derry at Oliver's Gym in Salford on Friday and he admitted his preparations for the January 20th fight are "going superb." But he also revealed his sparring will step up a level after Christmas when he invites friend, Great Britain Olympian and 2012 medal hope, 27-year-old Tom Stalker to join his camp.

Derry said: "My preparation's been fantastic. I've been in training with Oliver [Harrison] already for around seven weeks. Training is going well and you only have to look at who I'm training alongside - Martin Murray , who come next week will be the new world champion. I'm also with the likes of Tony Dodson, Joe Tonks, Rocky Fielding and Karl Skeggs - we're just the Liverpool lads that come up to Manchester every day. At the moment the gym's buzzing and we're all bouncing off each other.

"But I need world class sparring too, to prepare me for such a tough unbtean opponent, and hopefully that's where Tom comes in. He's my first choice for sparring partner for this fight and I hope he's able to make it happen. I'm up against a tough opponent and I'm feeling capable of going out there and doing the job on my own turf, in front of my own fans."

Stalker will captain the Great Britain boxing team into the ring when the Games returns to London next summer. Like Mathews, a product of the renowned Salisbury ABC, the Huyton southpaw will be one of the nation's strongest medal hopes when the bells rings in the capital.

Tickets for the January 20th IBO lightweight title fight between Derry Mathews and Emiliano Marsili, which also includes an undercard packed with homegrown Scouse talent and 34-year-old American veteran Steve Forbes, are available from the Liverpool Olympia box office on 0151 2636633.

NEW OPPONENT FOR DERRY!

Derry Mathews' vacant IBO world title challenge on January 20th has been given a new look after a switch of opponent.

The former WBU champion will now meet Italian lightweight champion Emiliano Marsili at the Liverpool Olympia, after Russian star Alisher Rahimov was pulled from the bill. However, things certainly don't get any easier for the former 'Golden Boy' as Marsili also boasts an unbeaten professional record.

The veteran Italian is also a southpaw, while his 24-fight run is spread over an eight-year career and he will arrive on Merseyside riding on the back of a first round knockout in July. However, that was the man from Lazio's only outing of 2011, and his trip to Liverpool will also be the first fight he has ever had not on home soil.

Promoter Stephen Vaughan Jnr made the announcement via Twitter today, with former champ Mathews adding: "I'm gutted over Rahimov pulling out but now fighting unbeaten Italian."

The Olympia undercard features a wealth of Scouse talent, including John Watson, Nathan Brough, Steve Harkin, Joe Tonks, Andy Colquhoun and the pro debut of Chris Kelly.

Plus, former world champion Stevie Forbes is also mooted to be fighting on the card, in a fight that promoters hope will tee up a blockbuster showdown with Derry later in the New Year.

Tickets are available from the Olympia box office.

Fans ask for 'Swifty' Smith title chance after Groves pulls out!

Merseyside fight fans are urging promoter Frank Warren to put Stephen Smith back into championship action at the Liverpool Echo Arena on December 9th after the card was hit by the withdrawal of the headline fight.

British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves has had to withdraw from the Friday night card due of a hand injury, leaving Olympian James DeGale's latest interim title defence as the main event.

Despite Warren remaining tight-lipped about a second title fight being added to the card earlier today, he is thought to be working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the event is bolstered by a second title match-up.

In today's statement, he said: "It's disappointing for everyone concerned, but George can't fight if his hand is injured and if he did go ahead and put in a sub-par performance we don't want to make excuses. He'll have a good rest and treatment and I'll look to get him back out early next year which will be a big one for him. It's still a cracking show with James DeGale now headlining and our best talent from Liverpool all in action including Stephen and Liam Smith, Joe Selkirk and Paul Butler. Unbeaten prospects Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Johnson are also on the card along with the pro-debut of Damon Jones."

Smith lost his unbeaten record and British featherweight title in September, when Lee Selby came to Merseyside and caught the former amateur star cold, forcing a shocking eighth round stoppage. Yet 'Swifty' has been eager to set things right sooner rather than later.

The card is already suffering after being switched from London only last week and the withdrawal of marquee champion Groves will undoubtedly effect ticket sales. Only a homegrown title match-up is guaranteed revitalise the action at the box office.

Meanwhile, Groves' injury occurred during a training session this week at Groves' gym in Vauxhall, South London, and after seeking expert medical guidance, he was advised not to fight. He was due to joint-headline alongside old rival DeGale – who's defence of the WBO Intercontinental title against Jose Maria Guerrero will now top the bill on the show.

Last month Groves produced a career-best performance to stop former British champion Paul Smith in the second round at Wembley Arena and was looking to end a memorable year that also included a win over rival DeGale. His loss to this card is disastrous.

Groves said: "I'm really gutted as I was coming along nicely in training and on course for the fight in a couple of weeks' time.  The injury is a set back and I really wanted to end the year with four good wins.  I'm sorry that my fans won't be able to see me in action, but I'll back early next year and ready to kick of 2012 with bang as I continue towards further titles."

Adam Booth, Groves' manager and trainer, added: "Obviously we are all disappointed as George was looking forward to getting back into the ring again so quickly after his great win over Paul Smith.  At this stage of George's career it would be crazy to compromise him and carry an injury of that nature into the fight. He's been advised to rest it for now and we'll seek further medical guidance next week."

GROVES AND DeGALE LIVERPOOL BOUND!

A wealth of Merseyside fighting talent will dominate the undercard when Frank Warren makes a surprising yet welcome return to the Liverpool Echo Arena early next month.

Warren's double-title fight card planned for the ExCeL London on Friday, December 9th – joint-headlined by George Groves and James DeGale in separate championship fights – has been switched to the Liverpool Echo Arena on the same date.

The ExCeL were unable to stage the event due to their Olympic test event commitment and, with no other London venue available, Ian Congdon from the Echo Arena jumped at the chance to stage another international boxing event at the city's premier venue.

Last month Scouse star Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly fought a tremendous battle for the WBO light-heavyweight title at the venue in one of the best fights seen in recent years, and in July John Murray and Kevin Mitchell were also involved in a thrilling fight at the same venue.

The top quality card, screened live on BoxNation, will also feature Olympian Billy Joe Saunders in a 10-round international contest, backed up with Merseyside's best talent including: former British and Commonwealth featherweight champion Stephen Smith; his younger brother, unbeaten, welterweight Liam Smith; big-punching light-middleweight talent Joe Selkirk, plus hugely popular Ellesmere Port super-flyweight Paul Butler as well as Commonwealth Games Champion Callum Johnson.

DeGale will take on tough Spaniard Jose Guerrero in the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental super-middleweight title, while his great rival Groves will defend his Commonwealth title against a challenger to be confirmed.

Promoter Frank Warren said, "I'm grateful that Ian Congdon and his team at the Liverpool Echo Arena stepped in to stage the event.  With the great fights we've had recently at the arena with Cleverly v Bellew and Murray v Mitchell, plus cracking title fights with Paul Smith in the past, Liverpool has now become the hotbed of British boxing. The fans are fantastic and really love their boxing and come out and support the shows so I'm delighted that James and George plus all the local lads will feature on the card."

Customers who have purchased tickets for the ExCeL show can contact Frank Warren Promotions Box Office manager Tony Vincent on 1992 550 88 to upgrade their ticket or get a full refund from their original point of purchase.

Tickets for the Echo Arena show are priced at £40, £50, £75 and £100 and are available from:

Liverpool Echo Arena

Box Office: 0844 8000 400

www.echoarena.com

DODSON CLAIMS IBO TITLE - RINGSIDE REPORT

by Elliot Foster, aged 15

Tony Dodson added the IBO International light-heavyweight title to his collection of belts before setting his sights on a British title fight next year.
Another great fight night took place on Saturday 8th October, all courtesy of Vaughan Boxing Promotions, as Dodson led the charge on a cracking night of boxing. Three other Liverpool fighters - Joe Tonks, Phil Smith and Andy Colquhoun - also bagged wins to the delight of the home crowd. Yet it was Dodson's thrilling performance against Oldham's Darren Stubbs that really stood out.
At 39 years of age. Stubbs showed incredible fitness and bravery to survive seven rounds against the revitalised former British champion. But ultimately it was the class of Dodson's boxing which proved decisive. Dodson entered the ring on Saturday with - after 34 contests - a record of 27 wins, of which 13 have come by knockout, six losses and one technical draw.
He commented in the programme for the event that moving to light-heavyweight was the best thing to ever happen to him. And it was easy to agree with him after a performance which proved he's back to his phenomenal best.
Ahead of the headliner, the animosity within the crowd was fever pitch, with both sets of fans from opposing ends of the M62 giving one another all kinds of stick - which made for a good atmosphere.
In the first round, as soon as that bell went, Dodson outlined his intentions and landed a few telling punches, letting Stubbs that he was in for a tough night.
Sitting ringside with the cream of Merseyside's fight writers, including Chris Walker, Nick Peet and the ECHO's Phil Kirkbride, the debate centred around exactly which Tony Dodson was going to come out to fight. Would it be the new and improved Dodson keen to display his boxing ability, or the all too familiar Dodo that likes to get into a war and a scrap - thereby playing to the level of his opponent.

But as early as the second round it was easy to see that the boxer was in the house, as Dodson began to stamp his authority. He unleashed a barrage of punches on Stubbs. Though Dodson knew he was hurting Stubbs, the man from Oldham withstood everything that the man from Garston gave to him and he even gave him a few punches back. But as the fight flowed, you could tell that the pressure was getting to the veteran. In the third, Dodson continued the pressure with unrelenting jabs and uppercuts. At one point, the referee jumped in and it appeared the contest would be stopped, as Dodson had literally punched Stubbs through the ropes. In my opinion, the ref should've stopped the fight there and then, but bizarrely, he stood him up and let the fight continue.
Unbelievably, after almost being carried out, the fourth and fifth rounds both belonged to Darren Stubbs for me. Dodson took his foot off the gas and allowed Stubbs to work his way back into the action. By now Stubbs' right eye was bleeding badly and he was growing increasingly tired while 'The Warrior' stood off, protecting himself, and clearly biding his time.
With Stubbs now shattered Dodson took over again and the sixth and seventh rounds were solely his. He continued to dominate with combinations and, I think by that stage, Stubbs knew his fate - he knew there was no way he could win this fight. In the corners at the end of the sixth, Stubbs looked like he couldn't take any more. And the end came pretty soon after, Dodson winning by TKO following the unleashing of another strong barrage of punches to finish it off.
Stubbs is a brave kid with a lot of heart - anyone that's able to withstand what he did on Saturday must be fit and tough. It was a brave effort, but Dodson was in a different league and topped a polished performance with the stoppage he deserved.
The undercard as equally as enthralling, with Scotland's Sean Watson defeating Dai Davies of Merthyr in Wales by a unanimous points decision in the opening bout. The referee's scorecard read a final score of 59-56, after a blood and guts fight with both boxers going hell for leather trying to find the knockout punch to end the fight. Luckily for the paying spectators, the bout went the distance of six two-minute rounds. After the first fight caught the attention of the large crowd, the charge of the Scouse brigade began. Joe Tonks was up against Graham Fearn from York in only his fifth paid contest. Joe, along with
And Stockbridge Village flyweight Phil Smith and former Sefton ABC junior star Andy Colquhoun both won against their respective opponents. Smith, who moved to 2-0. faced the aptly nicknamed 'Egyptian Mummy', Anwar Alfadi from Sheffield; while Colquhoun made his pro debut against another Scotsman in Glasgow's Ryan McNicol. Both lads bagged points victories to top another great night of smal hall boxing on Merseyside.

BELLEW CLOSING ON CLEVERLY

WBO light-heavyweight title challenger Tony Bellew is ready to stop all the talking and concentrate on his world title fight against champion Nathan Cleverly next month.

The pair have had heated arguments at a number of press conference since May, and Bellew can't wait to show what he can do in the ring on Saturday 15th October at Liverpool's Echo Arena.

"All the talking has been done," he said. "The press conferences have all been done again this time around, but now I'm just looking forward to stepping back in the ring.

"I'm now just going to let my boxing do the talking, because it doesn't matter what I say, all that matters from here on in is what I do in the build up to October 15th."

 

 

Both fighters will also be putting their unbeaten records on the line and the Liverpool boxer believes it will be the toughest bout so far for the pair.

"I've been tested and my chin has been tested. I think this fight is going to be a huge test for both of us," said Bellew.

"Nathan is good at what he does, he's got fast feet and good hands with a good variety of punches. However there is nothing from him that I haven't seen before.

"This is the biggest fight so far for the two of us, I'm the best opponent he's faced. He knows I'm better than Karo Murat, he knows I'm better than Antonio Brancalion and he knows I'm a lot better than Nadjib Mohammedi.

"And I know he is better than Ovill McKenzie and all the other fighters I've faced before. We both have questions to answer."

Tickets, priced at £50, £100, £150 and £250, are available from the Echo Arena box office on 0844 8000 400 or online at: www.echoarena.com

 

 

CLEVERLY: BELLEW JUST A DECENT TEST

It’s been four months since the pair first squared off at the infamous press conference at London's O2 Arena and WBO world light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly admits he can't wait to finally get in the ring with Tony Bellew.

There has been plenty of tension between the two unbeaten boxers heading into the October 15th blockbuster at the Liverpool Echo Arena, but Cleverly is looking forward to finally stepping between the ropes.

“I’m looking forward to the fight right now,” he said. “A lot has been said, and there has been a lot of hype around the fight, but I’m glad all the press conferences are done now and I can concentrate on training.

“We can finally get on with business, this is where the real talking begins - with out fists. I’m raring to go, I’ve been training well, there’s not that long to go until the fight and we can finally see who’s number one once and for all.”

During the five-month build up to the showdown there has been a lot of bad blood between the duo, however, Cleverly has some respect for his rival.

“It’s a challenge and I’m not taking it lightly,” Cleverly continued. “I have respect for my opponent, at the end of the day once you’re in that ring you’ve got to have respect for your opponent.

 

 

“He’ll be in there trying to win the fight as well and anything can happen. In training, if you haven’t got any respect for your opponent it is difficult to get motivated and you’ll end up taking that attitude into the fight.

“It’s important you respect all your opponents, regardless of their records, weather they are a big name or not, you’ve got to appear like a champion and I’m making sure I do that.”

With that being said Cleverly hasn’t seen much from his opponent that is giving him sleepless nights.

“Tony’s recent performances have been okay,” the 24-year-old commented. “He had an up and down fight with Ovill McKenzie and I think that showed his level really.

“Obviously, he won quite comfortably in the rematch, he boxed okay, nothing special but it was bad either, it was a solid performance. He’s going to be a decent test for me but I can’t see it being anything greater than that.”

Cleverly is currently unbeaten in 22 fights and will be looking to make that 23. Should he win, comparisons will start to be drawn with unbeaten Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe.

“It nice to be mentioned in the same way as Joe actually and in that type of company, and to be expected to emulated those kind of achievements is a bit of a boost for me.

“It shows people have expectations of me and they really expect me to go on and achieve big things. That in turn can give you great confidence and I do take confidence from that.

“In a way you really want to go out there and prove your supporters and fans right and not to let them down.” 

Tickets, priced at £50, £100, £150 and £250, are available from the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400 or online at: www.echoarena.com

 

 

PRIZEFIGHTER NICK by Tony Stapleton

Prizefighter returns on Thursday night

eight hungry warriors up for the fight

All of them fit and raring to go

to make it a tough exciting show

A classic mix of boxers will try

to win the tournament live on sky

To take their career to new heights

and pave the way to title fights

Old hands and novices among the bill

bring a mixture of aggression speed and skill

It's hard to choose from this talented few

The prizefighter champion....... Who'll win through ?

A local talent is making the trip

to take part in this championship

A raw young novice who oozes style

will bid to make it all worthwhile

Born of a fighting dynasty

ready to fulfill his destiny

Prizefighter will pave the way

For young Nick Quigley to seize the day

In every fight he'll give his all

His pride will keep him standing tall

He has the heart there is no doubt

round by round he'll knock them all out

Come on Nick and take this chance

lead the others a merry dance

The time is right just for you

to defeat and retire Takaloo

Tony Stapo 10/9/11

ROCKY RETURNS TO THE OLYMPIA

Rocky Fielding is looking to put on a showpiece performance when he steps into the ring at the Liverpool Olympia on Saturday against Portsmouth's Paul Morby.

Fielding's birth name is Michael and the obvious link with him being called Rocky, like the iconic Sylvester Stallone character in the hit film, isn't actually the case.

"It's nothing to do with the films actually," he explains. "When I was born I was 10lbs, so I was like a little rock,

"My dad called me The Rock and as the years have gone on I’ve played football before I started boxing and all my mates would call me Rocky ever since. It's a good name to have as a boxer, but my style is a bit different to 'The Rocky'."

Fielding has fond memories of the Olympia, it was the venue where he beat three men in the one night Prizefighter tournament to win the trophy.

It was also the venue of his second professional fight, where he beat Lee Duncan in November last year and the Liverpool boxer has promised another victory there.

"The Olympia is a bit of a good luck omen for me," he says. "As well as winning Prizefighter I had my second pro fight there as well,

"I'm proud to fight at that venue, it's only five minutes from where I live, so I always get great great support and the whole city gets behind me,

"Hopefully, there will be a bit of deja vu to what happened at the Prizefighter, but instead of three knockouts there will only be one."

'Rocky from Stocky' has only had a few weeks' notice for Morby, but feels his participation with Prizefighter has helped him prepare for this fight at short notice.

"Taking part in Prizefighter has been a good help with this fight," the 24-year-old continued. "You have three fights in one night and you are fighting different opponents with different styles,

"I'm ready to fight anyone, a southpaw or orthodox but I'm ready to fight,

"I originally hadn't been training for a southpaw, however in the last two weeks, we have brought in a number of southpaw boxers, after it was announced I will be fighting Paul. Everything has been spot on with sparring."

 

 

Fielding is well aware of what his opponent on Saturday is capable of and has watched Morby in action.

"I watched him box (Beijing Olympian) Tony Jeffries about two weeks ago," he said. "I've got it recorded on Sky, so after training I sit down for a couple of hours and just go over things from that fight.

"He's a good southpaw, he knows the game, against Jeffries, Paul made him look ordinary, but I'm not going to let him make me look ordinary.

"I'm going to put a show on in my hometown and show him the difference, but he is a tough lad, and his last three fights have been 10 rounds so he knows what he's doing but he hasn't been in there with anyone like me yet."

Fielding features on the undercard of Stephen Smith's British and Commonwealth Featherweight title defence against Lee Selby, live on Sky Sports 1HD.

Tickets are still on sale from the Olympia box office on 0151 6236633.

DeGALE ADDED TO ECHO ARENA WORLD TITLE CARD

James DeGale's challenge for the European super-middleweight title will act as chief support to the explosive world title showdown between city favourite Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

The former British champion gets straight back into title contention against the reigning champion Piotr Wilczewski from Roztocznik in Poland on Saturday, October 15th.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the addition today at a press conference in London today.

DeGale, who won the British title in Liverpool when he beat Scouse star Paul Smith, said: "I'm looking forward to returning to Liverpool to fight for the European title in what will be a good fight for the fans.

"I had a great win there when I beat Paul Smith in December to claim the British title and although he was the local favourite then, I hope the fans will come out and support me.

"Piotr is a good tough champion and he looks like a right handful, this is really tough fight for me and I'm expecting him to bring the best out in me on the night.

"It's fantastic that I'm challenging for the European title in my first fight back and I'm going to take the title."

An action packed undercard features Liverpool's former British champion Smith along with unbeaten Liverpool prospects Joe Selkirk, Rocky Fielding and Liam Smith, plus Ellesmere Port's unbeaten talent Paul Butler.

 

A further title fight on the card sees 2008 Olympian and unbeaten pro Billy Joe Saunders challenge for the first title of his career when he takes on Southern Area middleweight champion Gary Bouldon while the card also contains Oldham prospet Ronnie Heffron, Welsh stars Craig Evans and Tobias Webb, along with the highly anticipated professional debut of Hyde cruiserweight Danny "Boom Boom" Benson.

 

Tickets are on sale now from the arena box office.

SMITH NOT BELLEW HEADLINES OLYMPIA SHOW

Featherweight hot-shot Stephen Smith will kick off the new boxing season by headlining the Liverpool Olympia show on Saturday, 17th September - after replacing Tony Bellew as the main event.

 

Smith, one of Britain's fast rising stars and heavily tipped as a future Scouse world champion, makes the first defence of the British title and will also put his Commonwealth belt on the line against Welshman Lee Selby, live on Sky Sports.

 

However, the bill was originally due to be headlined by city favourite 'Bomber' Bellew, defending his British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight straps against Sheffield's Paul David. That match-up has been ditched, which raises questions as to whether Bellew will instead challenge Nathan Cleverly for the world title.

Both Bellew and promoter Frank Warren are yet to release statements today, but expect more news on that front inside the next week.

 

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Smith had to dig deep in order to beat John Simpson in their rematch in April to claim the prestigious Lonsdale belt and become the first Merseysider to hold the title since Gary Thornhill over a decade ago.

His next opponent, Selby, from Barry, won the Celtic title last month with a sixth round stoppage of Scotsman James Ancliff, but steps up a number of levels against the former Rotunda club England star.

"I can't wait to get back in the ring as British and Commonwealth champion and defend my titles," said Smith today.

 

 

He added, "I've got so many ambitions in my career; one is to win the Lonsdale belt outright as I would love to own one of my own; I also want the European title to complete the set and I want the ultimate which is a world title.

"First I've got to deal with Selby who is a tough first defence and I was really impressed with his win over Ancliff, but he stepping up to a new league against me and he'll know it on the night."

Stephen's older brother Paul, the former British super-middleweight champion, continues his comeback on the card in an eight rounder against Bristol's Danny Butler; while the third of the four brothers, Liam, will feature in six-round contest as he aims to put a shaky patch behind him and get his aspirations back on track.

The hugely popular super-middleweight Rocky Fielding, the record-breaking Prizefighter winner, is back in action as well as light-middleweight talent Joe Selkirk, who stopped being Liverpool's best kept secret with his first round destruction of game Terry Carruthers in his last fight.

Former amateur star Paul Butler from Ellesmere Port, currently unbeaten in three fights, features in a four-round super-flyweight contest comleting a strong Scouse theme at the West Derby Road venue.

Tickets, priced at £30, £40 and £60 are available from the Liverpool Olympia Box Office on 0151 263 6633, online at www.liverpoololympia.com or www.frankwarren.tv

MATHEWS-JENNINGS FIGHT REPORT - BY ELLIOT FOSTER JNR

Derry Mathews lands a right to the body of Stephen Jennings

By Elliot Foster Jnr at Greenbank Leisure Centre

Derry Mathews is the new British Masters lightweight champion and firmly on track for a European title fight next after halting Merseyside rival Stephen Jennings in six rounds on Saturday night.
 However, enormous credit must also go to Jennings, who enhanced his career with his brave challenge.The former Junior ABA champion was victorious in defeat after going into such a high-profile fight so early in his professional career - this was just his seventh paid contest - but he found himself in at the deep end against the resurgent former world champion.
 The city was divided going into the contect, although fans from both corners, while being vocal and loyal, where extremely well behaved at Greenbank Leisure Centre.  As the two walked from their dressing rooms the small hall atmosphere was electric.
 Both boxers weighed in at 9st 8 1/2 lbs, half-a-pound under the 9st 9lb lightweight limit.
  In round one it was a punch-trading round, with both boxers measuring one another up and hitting meaningful punches as warning shots as what was to come in the latter rounds of the fight. Jenko swiped Derry with a left hook in the opening seconds, which set the tempo for the whole night.
 In round two, Mathews started to take control, but Jennings put up a good fight and matched Derry stride for stride and blow for blow.
 The third was a slightly quieter round than the previous two, with Mathews looking to be too much for Jennings; fighting a strong fight with good combinations to the face and body. He looked the more relaxed of the two Liverpool lads and that was showing in the ring.
 At the start of round four, Jennings was looking tired but still had the energy to give Derry a sweet right to the body, because of fatigue he was grappling for a time and was knocked to the canves from a clubbing right hook. Referee Steve Gray started the 10 count right on the bell to end the round. When he got to eight the brave Kirkby fighter vowed to fight on. Another big round for Derry, who had a point deducted for a punch to the back of Jenko's head.
  In round five, brave Jennings amazingly battled back and had Mathews on the ropes and gave him a one-two combination to the face. But the Salford-trained Scouser came back and knocked Jennings down for the eight-second count once more. Again Jennings vowed to fight on. Derry was then warned about the blows to the back of Jenko's head once more.
 Going into round six, Jennings, who had been taking strong instructions from a concerned Tony Quigley Snr in between the rounds, was simply looking to hang on. It was brave move and while he started well once more he still looked shaken. The man from Kirkby then should have had a point deducted himself for a blow to the back of Derry's head, but referee Gray soon had more pressing concerns as Mathews finished the fight by landing a drilling combo to the face. With ten seconds remaining, the refree waved the fight off just as the towel came flying in from the Jennings corner.

WORLD TITLE SHOT FOR DODSON IN AFRICA!

EXCLUSIVE...

Tony Dodson faces the biggest challenge of his boxing career at the end of summer, when he will square off against an African fighting legend challenging for a version of the world light-heavyweight title.
The Gatson 'Warrior' has agreed to travel to Namibia on September 30th and face non other than former two-time world champion Harry Simon, aka The Teriminator, whose unblemished 26-0 record features 19 knockouts.
A former Olympian, Simon, held the WBO world title at both light-middle and middlweight during his heyday, with wins over the likes of Winky Wright, Kevin Lueshing, Rodney Jones and Armand Krajnc to his credit.
 However, now 38, the veteran has been largely inactive for the best part of a decade after being jailed for serious driving offences and subsequently stripped of his world title in 2002. He returned in 2007 with a rudamentary points win, then was inactive again until last year when he clocked up two stoppages - all of which where on home soil.
 Dodson will also have to travel to the African contient, but is taking inspiration from another former Scouse champion, Peter Culshhaw, who made a similar journey back in 2000 to face Baby Jake Matlala in South Africa, and against the odds claimed the similarly fringe WBU belt which ignited his pro career.
 "This is my big chance," Dodson told Mersey Gloves today. "It's a big ask to ace a champion as successful as Harry Simon and in his own backyard as well, but I love a challenge and I believe I can repeat what Culshaw did to Baby Jake and make my name with this win.
 "I will be going to Africa to bring home the belt and stake my claim for a bigger world title match-up fight in the future. This is a fight I simply could not turn down."
 Dodson will undoubtedly face a vociferous welcome when he touches down in Kenya, where Simon is based and still has a huge following. Yet he is still anxious to get out there early and settle into his new surroundings.
 He adds: "The fight has been agreed verbally, I am just waiting for the contract now.
 "It will be a life changing experience for me, but I've told the promoters I want to get out there early and acclimatise. I am 100% up for the challenge and I will have a gameplan in place for Harry Simon. Don't get me wrong, the man is a legend, and I will give him all the respect he deserves. I am grateful for this chance.
 "But I will be coming home with that belt and as the first man to ever defeat one of the greats. It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

ROCKY HAPPY TO BE HOME

Rocky Fielding says he can't wait to fight in front of his home fans at the Echo Arena on July 16th.
  The 23-year-old Prizefighter winner will have his first outing for new promoter Frank Warren when he features on the blockbuster bill which is adorned with a quartet of massive domestic dust ups, and going out live on Sky Sports 1.
  Ricky Burns' WBO world super-featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook headlines, but fight fans will also get to see John Murray's fight with Kevin Mitchell, Frankie Gavin's latest title defence against Curtis Woodhouse and the mouth-watering rematch between Liverpool's own light heavyweight champion Tony Bellew and Ovill McKenzie.
 So far 2011 has been a great year for former amateur star Fielding, after he won the Prizefighter super-middleweight tournament at Liverpool Olympia with a succession of stoppages.
  Now he takes on Jamie Ambler over six rounds as he looks to make waves in one of British boxing's hottest divisions.
  Fielding will be cheered on by a huge crowd on home turf, following a real surge at the box office this week after the addition of Mitchell's big clash with Murray resulted in the show almost being a sell out.
  "I can't wait for July 16th in my home city. It was going to be a big show anyway, but now it's absolutely massive," said Fielding.
  "Boxing is always popular in Liverpool, and over the last few years with the likes of Paul Smith, Stephen Smith and Tony Bellew it's been getting bigger and bigger.
  "It's a great opportunity to build on the success I had in Prizefighter. I've been thinking about what it will mean to fight in front of all those people, and it makes hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
  "To lift first prize was awesome, but now I want some big titles. The British super-middleweight title has been held by some great names down the years, and I'd love to follow in their footsteps."

TENERIFE CAMP FOR BELLEW

Tony Bellew has taken a leaf out of former Scouse world champion Peter Culshaw's book and jetted off from some sun, sea...and sparring.
 The Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion has gone to Tenerife ahead of his big rematch with Ovill McKenzie on July 16th for a little altitude and warm weather training.
The light heavyweight rematch takes place at the Echo Arena, in what should be a blockbuster show now that Kevin Mitchell's grudge fight with John Murray has just been added.

But Bellew, whose fight with McKenzie also sees the vacant British title up for grabs, won't be having any late nights. Instead he's enjoying a spartan-style training camp to ensure he's in the best shape of his career.
In what is a predictable step following his appointment of former Culshaw conditioner and advisor Mark Quinn to his corner team, Bellew's new camp is filled with altitude runs on punishing Mount Teide, and strengthening his legs on the island's sandy beaches.
"I've not had many away camps since I turned pro," said Bellew. "I just needed to get away from all the distractions in Liverpool and fully focus on this fight with McKenzie. He's a dangerous opponent, and he proved that in our first fight when he had me on the floor.
"Out here, all I have been doing is studying tapes of McKenzie and preparing for him pretty much 24-seven. Even when I go to sleep, I'm dreaming about how I am going to beat him.
"It's probably one of the toughest camps I have had because I'm up early every morning and then working hard throughout the day.
"Everyone seems to be coming out for their summer holiday at the moment, but when they are out partying, I'm tucked up in bed. But it will all be worth it when I get my hands on that British title to add to my Commonwealth belts. And all my fans will definitely see the difference when it comes to fight night next weekend."
- Tickets, priced at £50, £80 and £100, are available on 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com

DERRY TWEETS HIS WAY TO EURO TITLE SHOT

DERRY Mathews aims to get back on top of British boxing next month after landing a shot at the European lightweight title, courtesy of Twitter!

 The former WBU world champion has bagged a crack at Wales' Gavin Rees in Cardiff on July 23rd thanks to an enquiry he made on the popular social networking site.

 Mathews was due to face city rival Stephen Jennings in an English title assignment the week after, with tickets for the Greenbank Sports Centre already having sold out.

 Yet after seeing a post from promoter Eddie Hearn online, he threw his name into the frame to face the Welshman.

 Derry revealed to Mersey Gloves: "I follow Eddie on Twitter and seen a post saying he was travelling to Wales to fix up a title defence for Gavin Rees to go live on Sky, so I just messaged him and offered my services as an opponent. Next thing you know he was on the phone.

 "It's an exciting fight, two former world champions, and it's a fight I've worked hard to get too. Like Gavin I've tasted defeat, but I've proved that there is plenty of fight left in me yet and rebuilt my career.

"Winning this European title will get me back where I was once, in fact it will get me higher, and I can't wait to fight Rees in his home town.

 "I'll take a few coaches down there and we'll bring that belt back to Liverpool for sure."

 

 

 

 Mathews also revealed one of the first people he contacted was Jennings.

 "I contacted Jenko right away and told him our fight was off," Derry adds. "Naturally he was a bit disappointed but he totally understands that you just can't pass opportunities by - plus he'll still fight for the English title, they'll just get him another opponent.

 "It's funny, I've know Jenko for a long time and we were both getting into fight mode and starting to have a little pop at one another. But we had a laugh about it when we spoke and, who knows, perhaps one day we'll get that fight on. The fans certainly wanted to see it if the ticket sales are anything to go by."

 For now though only one man is in Derry's mindset, Gavin Rees.

 "He's a veteran pro and very, very strong and so I certainly wont underestimate him," adds the now 28-5-1 former champion. "But I feel like this is destiny for me. I've worked so hard and been so low after suffering a string of defeats but now I am back and, believe me, Derry Mathews mark two is ten times better than the original."

* For ticketing information visit Derry's Twitter or Facebook page.