Derry Mathews: I will retire if Stephen Jennings beats me – Boxing news
Former English and World Boxing Union’s Featherweight title holder Derry Mathews has declared that he will walk away from the sport of boxing if he gets beaten by Stephen Jennings on July 30, 2011.
Derry Mathews will take on his fellow-Liverpudlian Stephen ‘Jenko’ Jennings in an All-Scouse clash for his English lightweight title defence on July 30 at the Greenbank Sports Centre in Liverpool and Mathews believes losing is not an option for him.
The 27-year-old Mathews, who has won 26 of his 31 professional fights including 12 by the way of a knockout, said he will quit if he loses to a boxer of Jennings’ calibre.
Mathews added he has to fight for the European title next and therefore a win over Jennings is a must for him.
“If you're beaten fighting for the British Masters title, where do you go?” Mathews said.
While speaking on his inclusion, he said, “Where would you go if you're beaten by Stephen Jennings? I've got the European title fight next, so I've got to win this fight. I've got a lot to lose. If I'm beaten, I'll have to get a nine-to-five job because
I'll walk away from the game.”
In the end, Mathews stated he is doing a lot of hard work, as he reckons he has to win the fight at any cost.
Mathews stated, “But I'm fully focused, whether it's for a world title or English title, I just know I've got to win this fight.”
The unbeaten pugilist Jennings, who has won all of his five professional fights including 2 by the way of a knockout, responded to Mathews.
Jennings admitted he knows Mathews is underestimating him but on the same note, he remarked it is going to be Mathews’ biggest mistake and he will realise it on the fight night.
“He may be underestimating me, but the worst thing he can do is underestimate me,” said Jennings.
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