Chris delivers for waiting fans
Chris Matthews’ latest victory was worth the wait.
The seven-fight Road to Glory show at Maidstone Leisure Centre last Saturday was delayed by almost two hours after the stand-by ambulance broke down.
Matthews was third on when the action started, delivering a 40-36 points victory over Hungarian opponent Roland Farago (3-2) in a four-round lightweight contest. It was the fifth straight win of the Maidstone boxer’s career and his best performance yet in front of a sell-out crowd of 1,200.
The 21-year-old, trained by former European champion Johnny Armour, rocked Farago with a right hand in the opening round.
He dominated every round, keeping his opponent on the ropes with some heavy body shots and was unfortunate not to secure his first stoppage.
Matthews said: “I thought I was close to stopping him in the first round but the bell went.
“I wasn’t really looking for the knockdown but I was throwing all hard shots.
“The power was there and I’m feeling good after a performance like that. The stoppage will come eventually.
“I’ll keep doing my strength and conditioning and it will come. I know I can hit hard, it’s just getting the right shot in.”
Promoter Joe Elfidh was impressed with the display, as were trainer Armour and the home crowd.
Matthews will be back in the gym next week as he works towards a Southern Area title challenge next year.
He said: “Joe said it was the best he’d seen me box. We’re looking at one more fight and then the title.
“I’m pleased with my strength and fitness and my skills – I’ve just got to keep working hard and winning.”
Matthews would like to thank all his sponsors, as well as trainer Armour and Ben Johnson at Rochester Health Club.