Gethin and Mathews promise war

British Lightweight Champion Martin Gethin and former champion Derry Mathews came head-to-head today ahead of their battle on Saturday 10th May at the Liverpool Olympia and have promised to deliver a classic.Walsall warrior Gethin won the title in January last year with a ninth round stoppage of Ben Murphy, and aims to rebound from his IBF World Lightweight title eliminator loss to Panamanian Ammeth Diaz last May by beating his long-time rival.

All-action Matthews has been involved in some thrilling domestic wars against the likes of Anthony Crolla (twice) and Curtis Woodhouse and says that his showdown with Gethin has been long overdue, but it will be worthwhile.Both fighters know that their futures are on the line and victory is crucial if they are to continue forward in their careers.

Gethin said, “This is the biggest night of my life with everything on the line, my title and my career.  Mathews is a great fighter, he doesn’t take a step back in the ring, neither do I, he fights his heart out, so do I, he doesn’t know when to quit, neither do I.  We’ll meet in the middle of the ring and it’s going to be an all out war.

Mathews, who flew in from his training camp in Marbella, said, “The fight’s in my backyard and the pressure is on.  It is a bonus for it to be in Liverpool in front of my home crowd and I want to give the fans something special to remember.  I’ve been hoping to get it on with Gethin for a while now and I’m delighted it’s happening.  This isn’t going to be a fight for the faint-hearted, I’ve been in plenty of hard and thrilling fights, but this has got all the ingredients to top them all.  If I lose this it’s the end for me and I’m not ready to leave boxing so it’s crucial that I win.”

Tickets are priced at £40 unreserved and £60 Ringside and are available Box Office 0151 263 6633 and www.liverpoololympia.com

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