The 30 year-old has held the belt since last year after victory over Tommy Coyle, making one successful defence against the now British 140lb champion Curtis Woodhouse.
Mathews has since lost via decision to Stephen Ormond in a bout that didn’t have his Commonwealth belt on the line, although injury has hampered any plans for the Liverpudlian to defend his title this year. This delay has kept Mathews from arranging a clash with the current mandatory challenger Richard Commey and led to the coveted strap being taken away from the fighter – who is making an immediate appeal.
“It’s a disgrace,” Mathews told World Boxing News. “I have been out with injury and had proof of an operation but now they decide to strip me!
“I am appealing this decision and my team are working on getting my title back.”
A meeting between Mathews and promoter Francis Warren has already taken place this week, with a return to the ring touted for May 17 once his hand injury is fully healed.
Fans had been looking forward to the potential battle between undefeated Commey and 45-fight veteran Mathews as the Ghanaian has racked up 17 straight wins since turning pro, with all of those wins coming via stoppage.
“Good luck to Richard Commey and whoever he gets next, but he just lost his biggest payday,” added Mathews.
Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay for tweets of upcoming news on WBN
