Fighting Talk with Derry Matthews

B: Hi Derry. Thanks for agreeing to this interview.  

At the moment everybody is talking about the next Prize Fighter which you are taking part in. Many are saying features the best line up so far. How has training been going for this?

 DM: Training has been great so far. I’m getting some great sparring in early with the lads at Morrison’s gym so I am grateful for them for helping me out. 

B: How do you adapt the way you train and prepare for a tournament like Prizefighter, if at all?

 DM: It helps that have been in it before and know how hard it is physically and mentally. You have got to get out the blocks fast on fight night and that's something I am working on with Danny Vaughan. 

B: Who would you most like to fight in a Prizefighter final from that bill and why?

 DM: Steven Jennings. Me and him have always been mates and we had a great fight in Liverpool.  It was a war and both sets of fans loved it. I think over three rounds he's one of the ones I have got to watch in Prizefighter. Also Nathan Brough - me and him grew up together. My mum is pally with his mum; we boxed as the same amateur club and were England roommates. He's a also got the same strength coach as me so it will be crazy if we meet early in the tournament but that's why we love boxing for these big nights.

B: Can you outline a typical training day in camp?  

DM:  A typical day of training is always different for me for Prizefighter. We’re using a lot of track work.  My weight is good so I don't need long runs. In the gym I train for 2 hours plus work on my boxing, do plenty of sparring and am doing loads of core work my trainer Danny Vaughan who always has a plan for me. 

B: What aspects of training camp do you most enjoy / hate?

DM:  I love all sorts of training - you never stop learning in boxing.  I hate being away from my girl and my kids while I am in training camp but it makes me more determined to win things and train harder.

Derry Training

B: How would you best describe yourself as a fighter?

DM: Someone who's loves a good fight; always wants to please the crowd and just a normal lad who loves the banter.

B: You have fought in a variety of halls and arenas. What has been your favourite and why?

DM: I love the Olympia had some great nights in there. To this day I am the only person to sell it out twice with world title fights with John Simpson and Marsilli. 

B: Are you sponsored yet? If you work, how do you balance that with your training needs?

DM: Yeah I’m one of the lucky lads who has had good sponsors over the years. Fake Bake and Abbey Logistics are my main sponsors and Base Communications are also good to me. 

B: How did you first become involved in boxing?

DM:  I lived next door to the Salisbury ABC boxing club, famously known as ‘the Solly’. That’s where I learned my trade and it’s still to this day the best club in Britain.

B: What decided you to turn pro?

DM: I won the senior ABA title stopping 5 out of 6 opponents and never got picked for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Stephen Vaughan approached me with a deal to work with his dad George Vaughan who everyone in Liverpool would love to work with and I jumped at the chance! 

B: Which boxers have inspired you most in your boxing career and style?

DM: I loved Naz and Barrera and am also a massive Mike Tyson fan - I got him to attend my boxing academy in Liverpool without telling anyone. He turned up and spent 2 hours talking to the kids. It was a special day for me to see the smile on the kids faces when he walked in. 

B: I can imagine! How do you mentally prepare for a fight? Do you have any last-minute habits or rituals?

DM: No. When I train, if I do everything right I won't need to worry. I also say a prayer in the changing rooms to the people I have lost in my life; my nan; my best mate Craig etc. 

B: What would you say are your greatest strengths as a boxer?

DM: I am a clever boxer who can punch very, very hard!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting boxing?

DM: Train hard and believe in yourself and you will do well 

B: Who has been your toughest opponent in your boxing career so far and why?

DM: Choi! He physically and mentally destroyed me - but I got one back on him on Prizefighter.

Choi Tsveenpurev v Derry Matthews II Round 2

B: What has been your most frustrating moment as a boxer?

DM: Losing my world title. I was a young boy at the time but now am a man. 

B: How do you feel social networking such as twitter or Facebook, can help a boxer with his career? 

DM: Twitter is brilliant. it enables us to socialise with the fans and lets them see how a fighter lives and the stuff he has to go through. If anyone would like to follow me, my twitter is @derrymathews23.

B: Who would you most like to fight at this time in your career and why?

DM: It’s got to be Ricky Burns! He's the man at the top. It’d be stupid not wanting to fight him. I want to fight the best and I believe he is the best. Being world champion, he's proving it.

B: So what’s next after Prizefighter? Any plans?

DM: Just let's see what Prizefighter brings. I have spoke to Eddie Hearn about the future. If I win Prizefighter, it opens the doors again. One thing I do know is I am never in a dull fight and will fight anyone, anywhere. I have proved that!

B: Before signing off is there anything you would like to say to your supporters?

DM: I just want to say thanks for the support. It's been a great journey - long may it continue. I have a great fan base in Liverpool. They follow me everywhere I just want to thank them also. If anybody else reading this has just set up I have my own gym in Liverpool and they’re always welcome to come down to train or look in. I am just in middle of getting a amateur club. I want to give something back to the sport that as been good to me - thanks team dirty 

B: Thanks again, Derry I hope some people take you up on that offer and learn from what you can offer. It’s been great talking to you and thanks for the time you have taken out of your busy schedule to grant this interview. Can I just wish you the best of luck in your future, in and out of the boxing ring.