MATHEWS AND ORMOND BOTH PREDICT A THRILLER

Liverpool star Derry Mathews is predicting an explosive clash against Stephen Ormond when he challenges the tough Irishman for his WBO European Lightweight title at the Echo Arena on Saturday 7th December.

Mathews says that his fight could eclipse the other big title fights on the card that include brothers Paul, Stephen and Liam Smith who all defend their British titles, plus Ellesmere Port sensation Paul Butler and Joe Selkirk, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

The 30-year-old recently signed with Queensberry Promotions to rejoin original promoter Frank Warren and Mathews, who has a reputation for getting involved in brutal and exciting wars, is looking forward to be back fighting in front of a huge home crowd.

His thriller against Anthony Crolla in March was named Fight of the Year at the British Board of Control awards and he’s had two big stoppage wins since against Tommy Coyle and Curtis Woodhouse.

“It’s a fantastic show with all the other lads on the card, but I’ll be looking to put on a stunning performance for the fans in what could be a right tear up between me and Ormond,” Said Mathews.

“He’s a good fighter and he’ll come to win and I know that I’ll have to be switched on and ready for him, but I love to get involved in exciting fights for the fans and they’ll get their money’s worth with this one,”

“I believe that I’m a level above Ormond and I hit harder and faster, I don’t think he’ll be able to match me, but we’ll find out on the night.”

Ormond, from Dublin, has had a busy few weeks winning the title against Adam Mate in London with a stunning first round stoppage and made a quick first defence against Adam Dingsdale to win on points.

Trained by Paschal Collins, brother of former WBO World Super-Middleweight Champion Steve, Ormond says he only fights one way and that’s coming forward.

“I can’t wait for this one, Mathews is perfect for me,” said Ormond.

“He’s exciting, he likes to have a fight, he’s a warrior and he wants to win, I’ve got nothing but respect for him, but that will go out the window when we’re in the ring and I’ve got my own job to do and that is to win,”

“I only fight coming forward and I won’t have to go looking for him, he’s a big lad for lightweight, he’s got that long body that I will have to chop down like a tree,”

“It will be great for the fans, I aim to entertain and I’ll be the one leaving the ring with my belt.”

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £50, £70, £100 & £150 and are available from the Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400 or online atwww.echoarena.com