Gavin Rees rematch looking more doubtful

Current English lightweight champion Derry Mathews has told BBC Radio Merseyside that he has been pencilled in to challenge for the IBO world lightweight title in his next fight and is looking at some top names at 135lbs for a fight in his home city.

The 28 year-old, who fought a technical draw over four rounds with former world champion Gavin Rees last weekend before suffering a broken nose, is set to ditch a rematch with the Welshman for a world title shot when fully recovered.

"I've been put in to fight for the IBO lightweight title," Mathews stated.

"The IBO contacted Stephen Vaughan and said they were happy with Saturday's performance and want me to fight for their world title.

"[Juan] Manuel Marquez has just given it up and he's a top fighter.

"Vaughan is just looking for the right opponent and to see who the IBO put in and he's promised the fight is going to be in Liverpool."

Mathews (29-5-1) previously held the WBU fringe world belt from 2006, making two defences before losing to Choi in April 2008 and is likely to face a top contender for the title in the coming months.

"There have been a few names put into the hat. There are Americans and a few Mexicans that he's been looking at,” he explained.

"But it's up to the IBO who they feel they want to go in with me. I'm going to be ready and I'll speak to Oliver Harrison about our training programme.

"I'm going to take the opportunity because you don't get the chance to fight for the IBO World title every day of the week."