17.01.07 – Derry Matthews will continue his quest to prove himself the best featherweight in the UK when he takes on British champion John Simpson on February 24 at Liverpool Olympia. The 23-year-old will be making the first defence of his WBU World Title, which he won in impressive style against Steve Foster Jnr in Manchester in October. And in Scotsman Simpson, also 23, he takes on a man fresh off a win over Andy Morris, whom he beat on a cut in London in December..
” I’ve seen John box a few times and he is a very slippery customer,” said undefeated Matthews.
” Looking at the ratings, he’s in the top five in the country alongside me, Morris, Foster and Nicky Cook. When I beat him then I’ll be up there challenging to be the best in Britain.”
Matthews headlines in his home city for the first time, and says he is keen to put in a sensational display.
” The Foster win really put my name on the map, and I’ve had plenty of people coming up to me and asking me when I’ll be fighting next,” said Matthews.
” Turning out in front of a capacity crowd will give me such a buzz.”
But Simpson hit back by promising to cause an upset: “I had a bit of luck against Morris, but it’s boosted my confidence and now I’m going to do the business against Matthews.”
Derry will be joined on the card by Paul Smith, who challenges for the WBU International middleweight title against former Belgian champion Alexander Polizzo.
Also undefeated, former Commonwealth Games silver medallist Smith is keen to get himself into a position to challenge for the British title by the end of the year.
A third title fight is also scheduled, with Steven Bell challening for the Central Area super-featherweight title, although no opponent has been confirmed yet.