Derry Mathews ('Dirty') boxer

Derry Mathews (born 23 September 1983 is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2003 to 2017. He held the WBA interim lightweight title in 2015 and has challenged twice for lightweight world championships; the WBO title in 2016 and the vacant IBO title in 2012. At regional level, he held the British lightweight title twice between 2012 and 2014; the Commonwealth lightweight title in 2013; and challenged twice for the EBU European lightweight title between 2011 and 2012.Mathews won the 2002 Amateur Boxing Association British bantamweight title, when boxing out of the Salisbury ABC.Mathews shot to notice in October 2006 when he defeated Stephen Foster to win the WBU featherweight title which announced Mathews onto the domestic scene. Successful defences of the title followed against John Simpson and Matthew Marsh before running into the Mongolian Choi Tseveenpurev in Bolton on 5 April 2008. Mathews hit the deck three times before finally being hit with a body shot that ended the fight on the bell to end the fifth round. After the defeat to Tseveenpurev, Mathews came back to beat the Kenyan, John Gircharu over eight rounds in his home city of Liverpool showing that the defeat had not destroyed his confidence.In August 2008, Mathews decided to split from the Frank Warren boxing stable and took the decision to join the newly formed Hayemaker Promotions. On speaking about the deal Mathews said; "The deal is unbelievable and Hayemaker Promotions are going to bring big things for me" He was knocked out in the 9th round of his first fight with the fledgling promotional outfit. The fight against Martin Lindsay was on the undercard to Ryan Rhodes defence of his British light-middleweight title. Mathews had put Lindsay down in the 2nd round and was ahead on points, until a knockout brought any aspirations that Mathews may have had of fighting for the British title down. Mathews second fight with Hayemaker in March 2009 took place in his home town of Liverpool. It also ended in disappointment as he suffered a stoppage defeat to Harry Ramogoadi. Following the collapse of Setanta Sports and the loss of Hayemakers television deal, Mathews split from the promoter saying "It’s a shame but after the TV went the shows dried up. I have left on good terms though and have no issues with anybody at Hayemaker, but I have to look after my own career."