Terry Flanagan is set to face Liverpudlian Derry Mathews on February 13 at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. Flanagan’s WBO lightweight title will be on the line.
Flanagan won the then vacate WBO title against Jose Zepeda in July and followed that up with a second round demolition of American Diego Magdaleno. He now is set to put his world title up against the experienced Mathews.
“It’s a fight he’s wanted and I’ve wanted so now lets get down to business on Saturday 13th February at the Echo Arena and settle who’s the best, which I know will be me,” Flanagan said to frankwarren.com.
“I’m more than confident in winning so I’ve got not problem heading into his backyard and beating him in front of his home fans. I’ve got massive support in Liverpool as well so I’ll have some of the crowd behind me. I’m not writing Mathews off as he’s a good and experienced fighter, he’s held a version of the world title and he’ll rise to the fight against me.
“Following on from the great win against Magdaleno, I’m looking to make another big statement against Mathews. His style is made for me and I can see myself breaking him down from the start and getting the stoppage.”
Mathews recently vacated his WBA interim title in order to fight for the WBO title. The Liverpudlian had some bad luck at the start of the year as his scheduled fight with Richar Abril for the WBA title was twice called off.
Baring any pull outs, Mathews patience may have pulled off as he looks to win his first world strap.
“Flanagan is a great champion, but I’ll have to bring his brief reign to an end. It’s a fight that I know I’ll win, it’s not going to be easy, he’s a good fighter, but I know I can beat him. The fire is in my belly for this one and I’m hungry to win and prove that I’m the best,” Mathews told frankwarren.com.
Flanagan has already faced Mathews, and beaten him in 2012 in a three round contest.
“He holds a win over me, but that was just over three rounds, now I’m going to take him deep into the trenches over the twelve rounds and lets see how he reacts when it’s really put on him. I will give him absolute nightmares and my tactics will be spot on to get the stoppage.
“Revenge will be sweet when I win the world title.” Mathews said.
– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86
– Managing Editor and UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.
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