Lightweight Derry Mathews says he has what it takes to win a world title ahead of British rival Kevin Mitchell. The Liverpool hero challenges tough Cuban Richar Abril for his crown at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Friday March 6th and realizes a win will turn his life around and is not going to blow his chance.
Promoter Frank Warren has previously delivered Mitchell two opportunities to challenge for world titles – an Interim title shot on his doorstep at West Ham United against Michael Katsidis and then a second chance against Ricky Burns in Glasgow – and was shot down inside three and four rounds, respectively.
Mathews said:
“I’ve worked hard all my career for this one big chance and I’m not going to mess it up. These opportunities don’t come around often and Frank’s got me Richar Abril for the WBA World title in my home city so I know that I’ve got to be in the best shape of my life and give it everything I’ve got.
“I’ve got home advantage, it’s in front of my own fans, and I believe that I can do it.
“I’m concentrating on Abril first, but I know that a win will set up mega-fights in the British lightweight division and if Mitchell wants it down the line, I’m a fighting man and will fight anywhere, anytime.”
