Derry Mathews dreaming of world title in 50th professional fight against Terry Flanagan

Derry Mathews became the interim World Boxing Association lightweight champion in April

DERRY MATHEWS aims to turn his dream into reality by becoming a world champion in his 50th professional fight.

 

The Scouser is convinced he can relieve Mancunian Terry Flanagan of the WBO world lightweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on February 13.

It will be the first Liverpool v Manchester championship contest for 82 years and Mathews is determined to make his dream come true.

The 33-year-old said: "I have always had this dream of going for, and winning, a world title in my 50th fight - and now is the time.

"I could have had a warm-up fight on December 19 but I turned that down so that I could save fight No 50 for the world title bid."

 

And Liverpool fanatic Mathews is predicting an explosive affair when he clashes with Manchester City fan Flanagan.

He said: "Liverpool gave City a real beating at the Etihad Stadium last month and I will do the same to Terry when we meet.

"The inter-city rivalry will make it a really electric night. The arena will be packed and the Liverpool and Manchester fight fans will be out in force."

Merseyside and Manchester last collided in a world championship boxing ring in 1933 when Manchester's Jackie Brown defeated Liverpool great Ginger Foran for the then NBA world flyweight belt.

 

Derry Mathews fighting Tony Luis in April

 

Terry Flanagan with the European Lightweight Championship title belt

Mathews has boxed for versions of the world title before, beating Stephen Foster to win the WBU featherweight crown in 2006 and twice successfully defending that title before losing an IBO lightweight title shot to Emiliano Marsili in 2012.

Unbeaten Flanagan, 26, goes into the bout on the back of a devastating performance in October when he smashed his mandatory challenger Diego Magdaleno inside two rounds.

He said: "This a fight he's wanted and I've wanted so now let's get down to business and settle who's the best - which I know will be me.

"I'm more than confident in winning so I've got no 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.

"But I'm looking to make a big statement against him. His style is made for me and I can see myself breaking him down from the start and getting the stoppage."