By Lewis Croft: Howard Foster deemed ‘Dirty’ Derry Matthews unfit to continue in the seventh round after suffering reoccurring problems with his nose and taking a mandatory 8 count in the 6th round of a ‘barnstormer’ against undefeated Italian and new IBO lightweight champion Emiliano Marsili.
The pro Matthews crowd packed out the Olympia besides a small Italian contingent who despite lacking in numbers tried to make their voice heard. Entering the lions dens with purpose to take the belt back home, the Italian started off fast causing problems for Matthews early on.
Despite suffering problems with a reoccurrence nose injury, Matthews battled bravely and started to get back in the contest in the 4th. But every time the Italian landed with a southpaw jab followed by a straight left the pain was there for all to see on Matthews face. With Matthews now on the ropes and with the uppercut beginning to land a swift body shot followed which dropped the hometown boy on the canvas. Rising up to beat the count, he fought fire with fire showing great heart but a round later after taking more punishment and his face physically marked up to the disappointment of the Liverpool crowd the contest was stopped.
Gracious in defeat ‘Dirty’ Derry Matthews was quick to point out he was beaten by the better man on the night and would travel to Italy in a return bout in the future if offered. Also on the bill was exciting prospect Joe Selkirk. Who after having a turbulent year with injuries is looking for a big 2012 to prove he has the talent that the experts suggest.
Fast forward less than 24 hours and once again the Olympia was packed out. The final leg in the double header of boxing action to take place in Liverpool, saw Olympic bronze medallist David Price take on seasoned heavyweight ‘Big’ John McDermott. Billed by Frank Maloney as ‘Third time lucky’ after subsequent bouts fell through due to injuries, the heavyweight clash was a final eliminator for the British title, currently held by Tyson Fury.
McDermott tried to set the pace and start fast, a tactic he said he would employ but in hindsight he would later regret as inside the first 30 seconds was to taste the canvas for the first of three times inside 75 seconds. A short uppercut followed by a scuffing right toppled McDermott to the canvas. Rising up legs looking steady was caught yet again to hit the canvas for the second time. Frustration written all over his face, he was to rise but this time on unsteady legs. A jab followed by a final right put McDermott down for the third and final time as he did not make the referees count.
McDermott was set to give David Price his biggest test yet after turning professional following his Olympic medal success. The 6 ft 8 scouser who has travelled the globe to ply his trade and gain some valuable sparring experience with the likes of Odlanier Solis, Klitschko brothers and David Haye, looked a class apart from McDermott and is now mandatory challenger for the British title against rival Tyson Fury. A match up which has been on the radar for a while now seems certain to take place and will be an eagerly anticipated matchup for British boxing fans.
The boxing scene in Liverpool looks to have a big future ahead. The quality in depth highlighted by two shows over the course of two days each packed with local talent such as James Metcalf, Kevin Satchell, Joe Selkirk, Liam Vaughan and Paul Butler all eager to impress on home soil. This is without the ever present Smith brothers, Tony Dodson and Tony Bellew, who is set to face former European champion Danny McIntosh later in March. Boxing in Liverpool is booming.