Liverpool, UK, Olympia.
Local lad Derry Mathews had his hands full with a jam packed venue hoping he could claim his second world title but unfortunately it was not to be.
Emiliano Marsili left his home country to fight in Derry's backyard and he brought his undefeated record along for the ride certifying his credibility as a worthy opponent despite many fans and critics alike writing him off.
Throughout the fight it was clear for all to see the Derry Mathews we know and love was not his usual self, he lacked the movement and range we normally see him dish out.
Mr Marsili controlled the majority of the fight with Derry taking a round or two rousing his hometown crowd but he couldn't put the juggernaut away.
Prior to the fight taking place Mathews has broken his nose during the training camp which makes his efforts all the more worthy.
Despite this the travelling Italian proved a tougher task than many had anticipated as he battered Derry with thunderous left and right to the head and body busting his foe's eyes and re-smashing Derry's nose making the scouser a bloody mess come the end of the fight.
During the 7th round referee Howard Foster showed enough compassion to save Derry from taking anymore unnecessary damage.
In comparison, Derry fought well under the circumstances but it was the Italian stallion who put in a career defining performance capturing the IBO lightweight championship which will move him closer to that big pay day before retirement comes knocking, he is 35 after all.
Hopefully Mathews wont carry the burden of this defeat too heavily as I and many others would love to see him climb back up the Boxing ladder.
Follow @JayLedsham
Post a comment