Why Terry Flanagan vs. Derry Mathews Will Be the Best British Fight in February
The month of February may include Valentine’s Day—a time when card companies cash in and the price of flowers goes up—but Terry Flanagan and Derry Mathews won't be feeling a lot of love towards each other.
After a relatively dry January (although this year there are some notable fights happening early in 2016), February will see two major bouts staged on English turf.
Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg has been a long time in the making. The two men have been the best of enemies since they were both fighting at domestic level, but their paths never crossed.
Now, with both super bantamweights holding world titles, the bout has been booked for Feb. 27. The Bury-born Quigg—the current WBA champion—has the home advantage at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
The Northern Irishman Frampton, though, has a legion of travelling fans who will make The Jackal—who holds the IBF strap—feel like he is fighting at home in Belfast.
The rivalry between two world-class performers will get settled live on box office television in front of a raucous crowd at a sold-out arena. It can’t get any better than that, right?
But, and bear with me here, Frampton vs. Quigg may not end up being the best fight to take place in the North West during the shortest month of the year.
In Liverpool, England, on Feb. 13, Manchester’s Flanagan defends his WBO lightweight title against local favourite Mathews.
While Frampton vs. Quigg has simmered for years, aided by the pair trading barbs in the media, Flanagan vs. Mathews can heat up in an instant. It is the microwave meal at lightweight compared to the slow-cooked stew at super bantamweight.
It is a fight between Manchester and Liverpool—two cities that don’t get along.
It is a fight between a current world champion with much still to prove and an experienced challenger who knows he cannot afford to pass up such a golden opportunity.
It is a fight in a division with options. Lots of them.
Per Chris McKenna of the Daily Star, the winner could face Anthony Crolla, the current WBA champion, next. In the article, Francis Warren—son of promoter Frank—is quoted as saying: "I’m sure an offer of half a million will be made to Anthony on February 14, and that would be a huge fight for Anthony."
If Flanagan retains his belt, it would set up a showdown against a fellow Mancunian in Crolla.
However, a unification clash between Mathews and Crolla is appealing, too. They have met twice before, with the former stopping Million Dollar in Round 6 of their first meeting in 2012. The rematch just less than a year later ended in a draw, so there is unfinished business between the pair.
Flanagan and Mathews also have previous history.
Back in October 2012, Flanagan triumphed in a three-round contest during a Prizefighter tournament that he went on to win. Much has changed for both men since they squared off at the Olympia in Liverpool, though.
Flanagan's career has gone into overdrive. He claimed the vacant WBO belt in July 2015, albeit in rather unsatisfactory circumstances when Jose Zepeda suffered a dislocated shoulder during Round 2. With the American unable to continue, Flanagan was crowned champion in his own backyard.
The 26-year-old's first defence saw him stop Diego Magdaleno in a hurry. It was an impressive victory but one that didn’t tell us a whole lot more about his abilities to stay afloat in a deep lightweight pool.
Nevertheless, Frank Warren believes Flanagan (29-0, 12 KOs) can follow in the footsteps of another famous fighter from Manchester, telling Alan Hubbard for FrankWarren.com: "I’ve had many great nights with Ricky Hatton at the Manchester Arena and there are going to be many more ahead with Terry. I’m really excited about the future."
There are some similarities between them—they have won world titles and are also both fans of Manchester City.
However, that’s where the similarities end. While Hatton was a pressure fighter famed for swarming all over opponents, Flanagan is a slick southpaw who is happy to box off the front or back foot.
His ability to adapt his style to the challenge he faces will stand him in good stead when he comes up against Mathews, a tenacious competitor who has worked hard to get to this level.
Dirty Derry has been British and Commonwealth champion during a career that has had its ups and downs.
The 32-year-old has bounced back from setbacks. He was stopped in three successive fights against Martin Lindsay, Harry Ramogoadi and Scott Lawton, while he failed to beat Gavin Rees in two bloody bouts.
However, just like his fighting style, Mathews never gave in. He is in good form too, winning four on the spin since losing on points to Stephen Ormond in 2013.
A points triumph over Tony Luis saw Mathews become the interim WBA champion in April 2015. Now, he has the chance to add a full world belt to his collection.
He didn't lack for confidence at the pre-fight press conference. He said, per FrankWarren.com: "He [Flanagan] reckons he’s a big puncher, and he thinks he’s something that he’s not. He’s had some lucky wins in his career and on February 13 I’m going to show everybody I’m the better boxer and the better man."
Flanagan, according to the same article, believes he is a “whole level” above Mathews. We will find out who is right on Feb. 13.
Whatever the outcome, it should be an enthralling match. Their styles have the potential to mesh perfectly in the ring, and plenty is riding on the outcome for both men.
While Crolla and a bumper payday could be on the menu for the winner, the loser will slip back in a lengthy queue of lightweight hopefuls. It should not be forgotten that the division also includes three other domestic fighters who want world titles: Ricky Burns, Luke Campbell and Kevin Mitchell.
The only certainty is that there will be no love lost on the eve of Valentine’s Day.
Frampton vs. Quigg has received plenty of hype, but don't be surprised if Flanagan vs. Mathews produces something even more spectacular next month.
