http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0...name_page.html

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.