NOW OR NEVER
Matthews and Dennis face title test, writes Daniel Herbert
THIS Friday (December 1) sees a good match atop the British Warriors Boxing promotion at York Hall in Bethnal Green, as Watford southpaw Elliott Matthews and Chatham’s Grant Dennis contest the vacant English middleweight belt.
The winner can look towards a crack at British champion Tommy Langford or perhaps newly crowned Commonwealth king Liam Cameron, while the loser goes back to undercards on the small-hall circuit. The stakes are high.
Matthews has already missed out on a British title crack through misfortune. He was lined up to challenge Nick Blackwell on a Channel 5-televised show in November 2015, only to be cut in his last sparring session just eight days before.
The wound, on his right eye, required four stitches and since returning to action in February 2016 Elliott has won four times on points, thrice over six rounds and once over four.
In other words, he’s been marking time, and at 36 it’s now or never for a major title bid, even if he did turn pro late at 30 after a good amateur career that included a stint with the famous Repton outfit.
In almost six years as a pro Matthews has boxed mostly journeymen and Eastern Europeans. The notable exception was his 10-round points win over rugged Gary Boulden for the vacant Southern Area strap in September 2013, when Matthews forced a count in round two en route to a 97-94 verdict.
Both men were cut that night, and Elliott was gashed again next time out (five months after), as he retained his title on an eight-round technical decision over Diego Burton.
So injuries are clearly a concern for Matthews, whose lone blemish in a 19-01 (9) ledger was a three-round technical draw against Raimonds Sniedze in March 2013. He outscored the Latvian over six rounds four months later.
Does Dennis hit sharply enough to open up Matthews’ facial skin? Only one early win in 10 fights (all victories) would suggest not, although there can always be head clashes and stray elbows, etc.
The Kent 34-year-old has also built his record on journeymen and imports, along with a key win (points, 97-95) for the Southern Area crown, over Nicky Jenman in November 2016.
For this one he has sparred WBO champ Billy Joe Saunders and super-middle prospect Lerrone Richards, while Matthews has also prepared with a world titlist in WBA 168lb king George Groves.
In actual fights, Matthews is the one who has accumulated the greater experience, while showing the more rounded skills. So the pick is for him to outwork Dennis for a clear points win.
THE VERDICT In this clash of former Southern Area kings, Matthews seems to have the edge.