Derry Matthews All Set For Scott Lawton Contest
By Terence Dooley
Derry Matthews has signed with Hatton Promotions and will kick-start his comeback by taking on Stoke’s popular ticket seller Scott Lawton on November the 13th.
A British and WBU featherweight champion, Derry, 26, once looked like to be destined for big things only to see the wheels come off when he was floored five times and stopped in the fifth round by Choi Tseveenpurev; subsequent successive defeats to Martin Lindsay and Harry Ramogoadi left Derry with limited options.
Matthews is now up in weight, campaigning at super-featherweight, and on top of the world following his promotional switch; he has told The Liverpool Echo that Lawton will be a ‘stepping stone’. “I’ve signed with Hatton promotions and couldn’t be happier,” said Derry.
“They have plenty of dates, good money behind them and Ricky and his family are really genuine boxing people. Some might say that this is a risky fight after a couple of defeats but I don’t want to go back to opening shows against journeymen. Lawton is a stepping stone for me to get back into title contention and so once I beat him I will be back in the mix again.”
However, Lawton has his own ideas. The 33-year-old dropped down to super-featherweight after a six-round hammering at the fists of John Murray in June of this year. The crowd will buoy Scott, the fight takes place at Stoke’s Fenton Manor Sports Complex, and Lawton will no doubt be raring to go once the first bell rings, he could cause an upset.
“I can’t wait to box on this show,” declared Lawton. “I’ve already been to a couple of Hatton promotions and they really do put on a great show. There will be big screens up and it’s just like being at a big Vegas show. I’m hoping the move down to super-featherweight will really suit me as I think I can keep my strength at that weight and I should have quite a reach advantage over the other lads in the division.”
Time is not on Scott’s side; Derry is seen as damaged goods by many in the trade; this fight could be the pick of the night, two proud men looking to salvage their careers - home advantage could prove decisive if things get tough.
Tickets are still available: call 0161 775 7500.
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