Gallagher Urges Crolla vs Mathews Rematch in Liverpool

By Phil D. Jay

Former British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla should be given a chance of redemption by new titleholder Derry Mathews, according to the Mancunian’s trainer Joe Gallagher.

Gallagher, who trains a host of top British fighter’s including John Murray and Scott Quigg, believes that public demand will dictate that another will happen after the two warriors fought out a six-round see-saw battle in Oldham at the weekend.

“This was a voluntary defense for Anthony,” Gallagher told The Manchester Evening News.

“We gave Derry Matthews a chance and hopefully he will repay the favor. We’ve done it in Manchester, now let’s do it in Liverpool.  This has got the potential to be a great series in the manner of Jamie Moore and Michael Jones.

“It was a fantastic fight and I’m sure television would want to see it again – this time in an even bigger arena,” he added.

Mathews, 28, had previously missed out on IBO and European title chances in his two fights prior to his war with Crolla, but made no mistake in claiming his first British title at Oldham Sports Centre to improve to 30-6-1 with his 16th KO.

For 25 year-old Crolla, the defeat represented his first stoppage loss in a 26-fight career and a return with the Liverpudlian at the Echo Arena in Livepool would make sense and no doubt have North West boxing fans out in force.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net