Gavin Rees in Discussions For Major October Title Shot

Gavin Rees is set for a second world title shot should he overcome Derry Mathews on Saturday.

Rees, who previously held the WBA light-welterwight belt, will defend his European crown against Mathews on the undercard of Kell Brook's IBF welterweight title eliminator with Carson Jones.

And Eddie Hearn, who promotes Rees, has confirmed he has held talks about the Welshman fighting for a world lightweight title in October.

"I am in discussions for a major world title fight in October for Gavin," said Hearn.

"You can never look past Derry, who was superb against Crolla, but victory will set Gavin should seal the deal and it's a massive boost for him ahead of a tough night in Sheffield."

Rees will clash with Mathews at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield for the second time after their first fight was halted early when the Liverpool fighter broke his nose in a clash of heads.

And Rees admitted: "I hope this is the last fight at domestic and European level most definitely.

"I've got a good ranking with most of the governing bodies now. I promised Derry the rematch and here we are, but hopefully I can get through this one with a good win and then move on to an eliminator, interim or world title shot."

Rees goes into the fight on the back on a successful title defence against Anthony Mezaache, while Mathews won the British belt from Anthony Crolla.

And Rees admits he was impressed with what he has seen from Mathews.

"Derry was terrific against Anthony," said Rees.

"In the fight before that he lost in the IBO challenge to Emiliano Marsili and he got stopped badly so not many people backed him to beat Crolla.

"But he put in a massive performance against Crolla who is being tipped to be the next big thing, so we're both coming in on the back of good wins and I'm sure he's confident just like I am."