The darling of Liverpool boxing for well over a decade, Mathews, win, lose, or draw, was respected throughout the sport as he participated in numerous high-profile clashes that were often entertaining. 

Undoubtedly the best win of his career occurred in 2012 when Mathews travelled to Oldham to face Anthony Crolla for the British lightweight title. 

Mathews entered the contest a significant underdog, but he produced a clinical performance as he weathered an early storm from the popular Manchester fighter before finding a stoppage in round six in a memorable domestic encounter. 

The following year, the pair collided again, this time in Liverpool, and once again the action between the two fighters was frantic. 

Mathews made a solid start, but Crolla, who had improved significantly from their first encounter, rallied down the stretch to secure himself a draw following 12 tough rounds. 

After that fight was over, each man would move on in separate directions with Crolla becoming world champion and Mathews also reaching world level thanks to a win over Tony Luis in 2015 that brought him the WBA interim crown.  

Walking away from boxing in 2017 after a crushing loss to Ohara Davies, Mathews has made his Liverpool gym a thriving success with notable amateur honours as well as guiding several young professional fighters. 

Despite appearing relatively content in retirement, Mathews has welcomed a trilogy meeting with Crolla after recognising several fighters from his era, most notably James DeGale, return to fighting on either the Misfits stage or in the bareknuckle world. 

“Listen, I’m happy. Anthony is doing amazing for himself following a great career and now he’s a trainer, but it was always great stepping into the ring with him,” said Mathews when speaking to DAZN News at Block One’s recent show at Liverpool’s Box Park. 

“Every time we fought it was always a hard night, and we always gave the fans their money’s worth whenever we crossed paths. I’ve seen so many fighters get tempted by these Misfits shows and you’re seeing it with the likes of Carl Froch and James DeGale. 

“I’ve had people ask me whether I’m tempted and the answer is not really because I’ve got so many other things to be focused on. It would be fun to do it against Crolla. He’s someone I respect so much, and the history is there between us to make it a great fight and event.” 

“I was privileged to fight so many great boxers and champions during my time in boxing. Crolla was my main rival, but I also had great fights against the likes of Gavin Rees, Terry Flanagan, and Tommy Coyle. If I was to pick one opponent then it would be Crolla, but I’ve faced so many big names that there’s a few who would probably motivate me.”

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