Rees and Mathews kick-off great British boxing night in October

Welshman defends European title before Barker faces Martinez in America

Gavin Rees will defend his European Lightweight title against Derry Mathews at the Newport Centre in South Wales on Saturday 1 October.

The duo were set to meet in July but a hand injury forced Rees to withdraw from the contest. Mathews gets his shot at the title four months later though, having stopped fellow Liverpudlian Steve Jennings in the sixth round of their fight on Saturday (July 30). Tickets for Rees vs. Mathews will go on sale on Thursday 4 August from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900, with tickets priced from £30.

Rees claimed the vacant European strap in title in June with a points win over Irishman Andy Murray, and the Newbridge ace is aiming to defend his title against Mathews before landing a World title shot as he bids to become a two-weight World Champion having held the WBA Light Welterweight title in 2007.

Rees v Mathews begins a massive night for British boxing as unbeaten Darren Barker takes on Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City, USA.

“Gavin’s European title defence is the perfect start for such a huge night of action,” said Eddie Hearn, who promotes both Rees and Barker. “Gavin is on the hunt for a World title shot and Derry will be a real test after coming of a series of impressive wins. He has promised to bring a great travelling support from Liverpool and he won’t want to leave them disappointed so fans can expect a real battle in Newport.”