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DERRY MATHEWS has set himself one goal this year - to become British featherweight champion.
The 22-year-old climbed into domestic title class for the first time in January - when he retired Steve Chinnock in six to become the first Scouser to lift the newly formed English championship title.
But the 15-0 former amateur star isn't about to stop there.
Following a warm-up eight-rounder in Barnsley tomorrow, Mathews will make the first defence of his belt in July and then really start beating the drum for a shot at the prized Lonsdale Belt.
He said: "I just want to end this year as British champion, that's the target and that's what we're all working towards.
"I've had a fantastic start to my career. I've been given time to mature into the weight division and put together astrong record against fighters of every ability.
"But now I want to press on and do what I turned pro to do - win titles."
Under the tutelage of veteran trainer Georgie Vaughan, Mathews has blossomed into one of the hottest talents in British boxing.
His perfect record has been built up from a foundation to a natural progression of stronger, bigger opponents.
Now it seems the team behind the featherweight - the Liverpool Sports Consortium - are ready to let him off the leash.
And that is perhaps best displayed in the form of tomorrow's opponent.
