Derry Mathews will now face Canadian Tony Luis for the Interim WBA Lightweight title at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, on Saturday night after Ismael Barroso failed to obtain a visa.
Mathews’ showdown with Luis, comes after his original opponent Richar Abril twice pulled out of their scheduled clash and was stripped of his title. Venezuelan puncher Barroso was then installed as his opponent, however it emerged yesterdaythat the Venezuelan knockout artist was himself KO’d by red tape after a visa was not granted to come to the UK.
However popular Merseysider Mathews will still get his chance to contest a Title this weekend after Luis volunteered to step in following through the night negotiations to secure his signature with the help of his US promoters Greg Cohen Promotions.
The smooth operating Canadian, Luis brings a 19-2 record and was already scheduled to be in action this weekend in Minnesota before he received a call giving him a crack at a version of the World Title in England.
Mathews said:
“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, 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.”
Greg Cohen Promotions’ (GCP) had two of its fighters switch places on short notice for this weekend.
Luis was originally scheduled to face Memphis, Tennessee, veteran Ira Terry (26-13, 16 KOs) in the televised co-feature of the “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” event, on Friday, April 17, from the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota.
Unbeaten Venezuelan slugger Ismael Barroso (17-0-2, 16 KOs), will now take Luis’ place in Hinckley and will take on Terry in an eight-round attraction this Friday.
“It worked out well for everyone,” said Greg Cohen.
“Tony Luis was high enough in the ratings and ready to fight, so he’s one of the few fighters in the world who could have stepped into this important fight on such short notice. And fortunately, he is a GCP fighter as well, so we made it happen quickly and he is on his way to the UK as we speak. Tony gets his dream shot at a world championship and the fans in Hinckley, and on CBS Sports Network, will get their first look at one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing, Ismael Barroso. So it seems that everyone wins in this unique situation.”
