Derry at the Olympia
After a week of uncertainty, it has been announced that Derry Matthews will return on April 2nd at the Liverpool Olympia on a Stephan Vaughan promoted bill.
The show, which was originally expected to be at Chester’s Northgate Arena and scheduled to feature Derry Matthews against local favourite Chris Goodwin, was thrown into turmoil when the BBBC rejected the Chester man as an opponent (citing that despite his impressive record of 12-1-1 he was yet to do an eight rounder) and also refusing to sanction the WBF international belt which the fight was due to contest.
The bill however has been salvaged, though the venue has now been changed. Stephan Vaughan Jnr explains.
“Following the board’s decision not to recognise the WBF title in England we have switched our show from Chester to Liverpool. Derry Matthews will top the bill in a defence of his IBO inter-continental or fighting for the English title. Chris Goodwin will be the chief support contesting a Central area title, both bouts being subject to board approval.”
This will still rank as a good opportunity for both fighters, Derry as he plots his way towards the British title he so craves; Goodwin as he races towards becoming the first Chester fighter to win a title since the areas boxing resurgence began a couple of years ago. The show will also feature fighters such as Paul Economides, Graham Delehedy, Paul Davies, David Brophy, Joe Lovell and Nick McDonald in six round outings.
The Vaughan camp still hope to get Derry fighting for the full WBF strap in the near future however. Stephan Vaughan Jnr once again explains.
“We intend to look further down the line with the WBF and are in negotiation with the their President Howard Goldberg for Derry to fight for the full WBF lightweight title that’s currently vacant. Two possible opponents are Kgotla Baeti (19-2) and Alan Parades (14-0). Both fights would take place in Southern Ireland if terms can be agreed.”
No matter what happens in the future, the bill on April 2nd looks an exciting one for the fans of Derry Matthews and the young prospects on show. BoxRec News will be following with interest.
