Pocklington Rocket Harry Matthews in title revenge (From York Press)

Pocklington Rocket Harry Matthews in title revenge

10:17am Wednesday 24th August 2011 in Boxing By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

POCKLINGTON Rocket Harry Matthews is on a revenge mission after securing a rematch against International Masters middleweight title holder Rocky Cakir.

Matthews will take on the Bristol-based Turk at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium on September 24 four months after the pair met for the vacant belt at York’s Energise Centre.

On that night, Cakir claimed a narrow 96-94 points victory but Matthews believes he has learned from his third defeat in a 14-fight professional career.

York-based trainer Glenn Banks and Matthews decided to part company shortly after that last bout and the latter is hoping a different approach in the gym will now pay dividends next month.

Former super-middleweight contender Nick Manners, who once fought undefeated world champion Joe Calzaghe, is now training Matthews from his base in Leeds with Mike Bateson also taking over from Banks’ role as promoter.

Nutritionist Rick Miller completes Matthews’ new corner while sponsor Benjamin Fielder, of Windows, Signs and Plastics has been providing important financial support.

Ahead of his bill-topping clash against Cakir, Matthews said: “I’ve had a bit of time out and have come back into training ready to win the title I lost in York. Things have been going pretty well and I’m stepping up the training now.

“I will be sparring for five rounds this week before pushing up to 12 as I look to rebuild my career and correct the mistakes I made in my last fight.

“I think I trained for too long for that contest. I did 13 weeks, but this time I’m doing eight as I think I start to peak after five or six.

“It just wasn’t my night and he wanted it a bit more than me but I felt I left a lot in the gym and didn’t have all my ammunition.”

Tickets for the fight are £30 or £65 for a VIP package, which includes ring-side seats, a meal and table service.