Derry Mathews hits out at WBO champion Terry Flanagan
Friday 29 January 2016 15:15, UK
Derry Mathews has accused Terry Flanagan of playing mind games and accused the WBO lightweight champion of trying to "pull a fast one" after their title showdown at the Liverpool Echo Arena was postponed.
Flanagan was due to make the second defence of his title against the Liverpudlian on February 13, but he has been unable to train due to severe tendonitis in his left foot and the fight has been pushed back a month to March 12.
However, Matthews, who won the interim WBA lightweight belt in his last fight against Tony Luis in April, believes his bitter rival is running scared.
"He doesn't fancy this fight in Liverpool, even his manager didn't fancy it and come fight night there'll be nowhere for him to run; it'll be just me and him in that ring," said Matthews.
"He's trying to pull a fast one pretending he's injured but he's just delaying the inevitable; I'm taking that belt with both hands.
"If he is genuinely injured then I wish him all the luck with his recovery but if he's trying to play mind games then he has picked the wrong man to play them with. I've got the strongest mind in the business and I've seen it all before.
"Silly mind games won't work on me, I'm fully focused on becoming the new champion in my home town."
Flanagan is undefeated in 29 fights but Matthews (38-9-2-KO20) is looking forward to fighting in front of his home crowd and says the pressure is all on his opponent.
"The entire country has made the mistake of writing me off before I've even put a foot in the ring. Apart from my team and my fans, everyone has Flanagan down as the clear favourite.
"That doesn't bother me one bit, every time I'm written off by people I prove them wrong with a big win. All that matters is deep down I know it's going to be my title and now he knows that too; he has realised he's in deep water."
