Boxer Harry Matthews aims for Central Area title (From York Press)

Pocklington Rocket Harry Matthews aims for Central Area title

11:07am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport By Stuart Martel, Sports editor

POCKLINGTON Rocket Harry Matthews is plotting an assault on a Central Area title in 2012.

The middleweight, who turned 24 yesterday, will fight an unnamed opponent on a VIP Promotions card at Hull City Hall on Friday, March 23.

A Saturday, April 14 clash with 31-year-old Kris Agyei-Dua at his hometown Brentwood Centre in Essex is then inked in for Matthews.

However, the Beverley-born fighter is hoping both those bouts prove to be stepping stones towards a tilt at a Central Area title in York in the summer.

Matthews was disheartened by his points defeat to Andrew Lowe in his 16th professional bout in Nottingham last December, but declared he was ready for a return to the ring.

“Boxing is my life and I am ready to get back on the horse,” said Matthews, who has won 11, lost four and drawn one of his fights.

“Every fighter has setbacks, but it is all about how you come back from those setbacks.

“I have got four losses on my record. They have all been really close and I have not been stopped.

“I fell out with boxing a bit at the end of last year, but now I am in love with it again. This year I am going to win a Central Area title.”

He added: “Training has been going really well with Nick Manners.

“I am in good shape, I’ve got two fights lined up and I want to get back onto the title road.

“I have been sparring with different fighters and learning to relax a bit more in the ring, and become a bit more elusive.”

Matthews revealed he had been offered fights at short notice against Lee Noble and Chris Eubank junior, but turned both down to concentrate on his March 23 date.

Tickets for the Hull City Hall show cost £30 and are available by phoning Matthews on 07854 543133.

Top of the bill is unbeaten Hull fighter Tommy ‘Boom Boom’ Coyle’s Central Area lightweight title clash with Graeme Higginson.