Flanagan-Mathews: Askin vs. Bennett Rematch is Added

By Shaun Brown

One of the more bizarre endings to a fight in 2015 will hopefully be more conclusive when its rematch takes place on February 13, 2016.

As part of the undercard to Terry Flanagan's WBO World lightweight title defence against Derry Mathews at Liverpool's Echo Arena, Swindon's Lawrence Bennett (7-1-1, 1 KO) and Blackpool's Matty Askin (19-3-1, 12 KOs) will square off once again for the English cruiserweight title.

The pair met back in October on a Steve Goodwin promotion at the York Hall in London. Within 90 seconds of the first round Askin was down after what looked like a clean left hook from Bennett. Referee Shaun Lester ruled it a slip.

As the opening session descended into a messy affair it came to its end when both men got tangled up with one another and fell through the ropes on to a table at ringside.

Bennett then returned to the ring and faced some irate individuals who were trying to make their way into the squared circle to confront the 33-year-old. Thankfully they were held back by the referee and ring announcer. Bennett was taken back to his changing room by security with the fight being declared a technical draw.

The injured Askin had to be stretchered away from the chaos and today the former British and Commonwealth cruiserweight title challenger said: “My chance to put the record straight”, after hearing the fight had been announced.

Promoter Frank Warren also hopes to add Liam Smith’s second WBO World light middleweight title defence to the February 13 card. Super middleweight knockout artist Jamie Cox will appear on the bill as he hopes to move into major title contention in 2016. The show will be screened live on Boxnation.

Shaun Brown is Boxing Scene’s UK News Editor. Follow him on Twitter @sbrown2pt0. Contact him at sbrownboxing@gmail.com