HARRY MATTHEWS has targeted a British Masters title next year and has vowed to become a renewed boxer after losing his unbeaten record.
The Pocklington Rocket will return to the ring, against an opponent yet to be decided, on Saturday, October 2 at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium.
It will be the first time the 22-year-old has fought since Irishman Ciaran Healy inflicted a first loss in ten fights by winning on points at Belfast’s Kings Hall in June.
Matthews is taking the positives out of that setback and has turned the disappointment into a new determination to focus on winning a championship belt.
“I wanted to fight Healy again but it won’t get me any more respect,” he said.
“I am back into proper training and I think I am a couple of fights away from fighting for a British Masters title.”
Matthews said he had been called out by a series of rivals, who he declined to name, but insisted when he returned to competitive action his “fists are going to do the talking”.
He added: “I owe it to myself to win a title. That’s my attitude in the game.
“I was offered a title bout in September but I have only just stepped up to six three-minute rounds and need a couple more.
“I can take positives and negatives from the Healy fight. I thought I did enough but I need to work harder.
“You can’t get away with a half-hearted performance.
“I probably over-trained but I have been outside the ring and I just needed a rest from boxing. When I came back, I realised it was what I wanted.
“This (defeat) has given me a massive kick up the backside.”
To get hold of tickets, which are priced at £30 standing and £50 for VIP ringside, phone Matthews on 07854 543133.
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