Derry Mathews met face-to-face with WBO lightweight titleholder Terry Flanagan today ahead of their fight on Feb. 13 in Liverpool, England, and promised to become world champion in his 50th professional fight.

The Liverpool man was scheduled to face WBA titleholder Richar Abril earlier this year but the Cuban pulled out twice leaving Mathews dispirited. This second chance has arrived and the teak tough Englishman has vowed to take advantage against his countryman

“Fifty is the magic number for me and I know I’ll be lifting the title above my head on the night,” said the 32-year-old. “It’s going to be a special night for me in Liverpool and I’m expecting a great fight from Flanagan, but nothing is going to stop me winning that world title.

“I started my professional career with Frank Warren and now I’m going to win the world title in my 50th fight with Frank by beating Flanagan.”

Mathews actually lost to Flanagan in 2012 on the “Prize Fighter” tournament platform and believes the defending titleholder will be taking him for granted.

He said, “I went into ‘Prize Fighter’ with two bad cuts and that fight was only over three rounds. Flanagan will be confident because he’s got a win over me, but that doesn’t mean a thing,”

“If he’s going by the last fight, he’s badly mistaken and I’ll give him such a surprise on the night. He’ll be the ex-champion and that belt will be staying in Liverpool.

The challenger continued, “I feel that Flanagan and his team are overlooking me and that will be at his cost.”

Flanagan is rated No. 6 by THE RING at 135 pounds.

Information provided courtesy of a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions

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