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Mathews talks Rees KO, head clashes and Burns v Mitchell winner

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
‘Dirty’ Derry ready for second helping of Welshman

British lightweight champion Derry Mathews is gearing up for 'take two' with former world champion Gavin Rees at Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena after their first meeting a year ago ended prematurely.

Mathews, 28, suffered an horrific broken nose from a head clash with the shorter Rees, stopping the fight in the fourth round as a technical draw, and will be weary of a repeat from ‘The Rock’ when he attempts to claim the Welshman’s European title on Saturday night.

“To be honest, I think the head clash was an accident but I have seen some of his fights and he uses the head a lot, but that's down to the style he has,” Mathews told World Boxing News.

“I learned how good Gavin was with his jab, so that has been something I have worked on in the gym with Danny (Vaughan, trainer).

“I am expecting a hard fight, but have prepared properly and everything has gone good. I am ready for a war and I know that if I perform to my best, I can win inside the distance.”

The Scouser could be in line for a huge WBO title challenge against the victor of the recently announced match-up between Ricky Burns and Kevin Mitchell and Mathews admits that he would be interested in facing whoever comes out on top in September.

“I'd love the winner of burns and Mitchell. I am in this game to fight the best and I have never ducked anyone or picked an easy fight. I love testing myself and to fight for a world title again would be a great test,” added the Lonsdale belt holder.

Gavin Rees v Derry Mathews is live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday from 8pm as part of the Kell Brook v Carson Jones 'Edge of Glory' bill.

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