‘Dirty’ Derry Becomes ‘Destructive’ as Derry Wins Again
By Terence Dooley
Liverpool’s Derry Matthews picked up the vacant English lightweight title with a single stanza icing of Sleaford’s Amir Unsworth at the Olympia, Liverpool. Derry stopped Scott Lawton at the same venue in his last fight, an IBO International title shot, and could now be in the frame for a shock crack at Anthony Crolla’s British belt.
Matthews (135lb) used his rangy right hand to hammer Unsworth (135lb). A series of shots late in the first round forcing referee Phil Edwards to call a halt to the contest at 2:52.
Amir falls to 13-4-1 (2); Matthews is now 27-5 (13); he looks a fighter reborn under Khan’s former coach Oliver Harrison. ‘Dirty’ Derry also cuts a stronger figure up at 135lbs; English titlists generally go onto fight for the British belt so the future looks promising for the Liverpudlian.
Indeed, there was talk of Derry stepping into the breach to confront Crolla on Air Khan’s April 16th homecoming bill. Saturday’s quick fire win leaves open the remote possibility that Matthews could be asked to challenge Crolla, who is constantly in the gym and always available.
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