Derry Mathews is a former featherweight world champion

Former WBU world featherweight champion Derry Mathews will return to action at super-featherweight in March.

The 25-year-old Liverpudlian has taken the decision to move up to 9st 4lb after losing two of his last three fights by knock-out.

Mathews told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I think I was ranked number four by the WBO and number six by the IBF and that's why I used to make 9st.

"I've moved up to super-feather and hopefully I'll get back to the top."

"I've said I wouldn't mind going on at six o'clock to know that I'm the first professional boxer to box in there," said Mathews.

Mathews was knocked-out in the ninth round of his last fight - a British featherweight title eliminator against Martin Lindsay in September - and said he is still coming to terms with the loss.

"It's hard to get over but I've always believed once you get beat it's important how you come back," said Mathews.

"I got beat by a fighter when I was winning the fight," he added.

On the issue of moving up to super-featherweight Mathews is confident he will take his powerful style with him.

I'm going to be 9st 4lb of pure, lean muscle and I'll feel better in my head that I'm making it and I just can't wait to fight again Derry Mathews

"Everyone used to say how did I make the weight anyway as there's nothing of me," said Mathews.

"I'm going to be 9st 4lb of pure, lean muscle and I'll feel better in my head that I'm making it and I just can't wait to fight again," he added.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version