By Elliot Foster
Derry Mathews may well be at the beginning of preparations for the most important fight of his career, but he was awarded another title this week.
The Liverpool lightweight, who has won 10 titles since turning professional back in 2002, was recognised for his work within the community at a ceremony at the city’s town hall on Wednesday.
Mathews faces Terry Flanagan in a challenge for the Mancunian’s WBO world title on February 13, at the ECHO Arena exclusively live on BoxNation, but he was presented with his accolade by the Lord Mayor, Tony Concepcion, after being nominated by a football coach.
Litherland REMYCA under-9s boss Jay Thomas put the 32-year-old forward for the gong “for everything he does for the kids.”
“We nominated Derry a few weeks back when we got the opportunity,” Thomas told Boxing Scene.
“We love what he does. He gives us [the team] his time, his gym, his effort and we just wanted a way to thank him for everything he’s done.
“We use his gym, he gives his time to the kids and nothing is ever a problem for him.”
‘Dirty’ Derry will be at the Manchester Arena this weekend to watch his MGM stablemate and fellow lightweight Thomas Stalker take on Craig Evans in a clash for the vacant WBO European crown at nine-stone nine.
And the former WBA interim champion was subject to further praise from Thomas.
He continued: “It’s not just kids though. Derry does loads for charity and raises awareness for causes needed. Like, for example, he did a charity day in his gym a couple of weeks back for young Broghan Lynne White [who has leukaemia] and raised a ton of money for her cause.
“His commitment to the community, the kids and those around him is endless and we appreciate everything he does.”