Derry Matthews defeated Tony Luis by an unanimous decision Saturday night at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England to claim the vacant interim WBA World Lightweight title.
A big reception welcomed the hometown Matthews as he made his way to the ring. A lively start from both fighters put a buzz in the crowd for the main event of the night.
Matthews got a few nice uppercuts early in the second round to put momentum in his corner. The 31-year-old controlled the early exchanges with long jabs.
The Canadian Luis struggled to get inside, allowing Matthews a clear path by catching his opponent with a few clean blows.
The fight began to get chippy in the fourth round, however, as both fighters received a warning from the in ring official.
The 27-year-old Luis received a second warning in the fifth round after he used his forearm. That energized Matthews as he pinned him back.
Luis fought back with some great movement to bulldoze his opponent back into his corner, landing some firm and effective head blows.
The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both sides landing some aggressive hits and no sign of fatigue, giving the crowd a great show.
The hometown boy Matthews was bloodied from the nose, however, after Luis caught his opponent after the official called for “break”. After receiving a second warning himself, Matthews had a point deducted for some low blows.
Things continued to be chippy as both fighters began to wear out. Luis had a point deducted himself for using his head.
That lifted Matthews and he began to get the upper hand in the fight, pressuring Luis and pushing him back. Luis was clearly tired as he sat back a little, trying to find his way back into the fight.
It went down to the score cards, and by unanimous decision 114-112, 114-112, 115-112 in favor of Matthews who got to celebrate in front of his hometown crowd.
“It was a hell of a fight. He's a warrior. He's a tough, tough man. I'm interim champion of the world,” said Matthews to reporters after he claimed his belt.
Luis was visibly frustrated about his point deducted, but praised his opponent for his win. “I think I could have done more. Derry did what he had to do. Tonight he boxed a good fight.”
