Derry Mathews to fight late replacement Tony Luis for world title
Wednesday 15 April 2015 14:55, UK
Derry Mathews will face Canadian Tony Luis for the Interim WBA lightweight title in Liverpool on Saturday after Venezuelan Ismael Barroso failed to obtain a visa in time.
This weekend's fight comes after Mathews' scheduled bout against Richar Abril was called off for a second time.
The Liverpool lightweight was initially due to fight for Abril's WBA belt on March 6 only for the Cuban to withdraw with suspected dengue fever (tropical disease). The contest was rescheduled for April 18 only for Abril to pull out again.
Luis, who holds a 19-2 record, was originally scheduled to defend his WBC Continental lightweight belt this week in Minnesota before receiving the call to fight for another version of the title on Merseyside.
Mathews has had a disjointed training preparation with the change of opponent but said he was focused on making the most of his home advantage at the Echo Arena.
“It’s obviously not ideal preparing for three different opponents in one camp, but regardless I will still be capturing a version of the world title this weekend and in my home city and making my life dream come true,” Mathews said.
“I’ve prepared for three different styles so anything he brings shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
“Luis is a decent operator and was already in camp but I thank him on taking up this opportunity and keeping my dream alive."
