Boxer Harry Matthews back on high after Lowe share-all (From York Press)
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Boxer Harry Matthews back on high after Lowe share-all
10:24am Thursday 29th September 2011 in Boxing
Harry Matthews
POCKLINGTON Rocket Harry Matthews is eyeing a rematch with Andrew Lowe after their British Masters middleweight title clash ended in a draw.
The 23-year-old Matthews felt he had done enough to beat his Newark foe – who was a replacement for original opponent Rocky Chakir – over ten three-minute rounds at Elland Road.
However, referee Phil Edwards scored the fight at 95-95, leading Matthews to agree to a November reunion in Lincoln.
Matthews, whose career record of 11 wins, three defeats and a draw includes a victory over Lowe at Elland Road a year ago, said: “I thought I had won it and most people in the crowd thought so.
“Rounds seven, eight and nine were close, but I would have said I won all the rest. Rounds one to six, I outboxed him.
“It was a 100-miles-an-hour fight for ten rounds and I think I answered a lot of questions about my heart and stamina.
“This was the best fight I’ve had in my life. It’s the first time I have fought at that pace over ten rounds and that has given me more confidence.”
Matthews said 31-year-old Lowe, who has won eight of his 15 fights, suffered cuts to both his eyes in the contest, while his own improved defence left him with only a slight black eye.
“My new trainer Nick Manners has been working on my defence and changing my style,” he said. “I noticed a big improvement in myself.
“I fought a guy who was really up for it. Nobody wanted to give an inch.
“I maybe just need to throw a greater volume of punches and land more power shots.”
The former sparring partners are now heading for a third head-to-head and Matthews added: “It has turned into a right rivalry between us now.
“We messaged each other afterwards and both agreed it was a great fight.
“The title is still vacant and we are ready to go for it again. I say ‘it’s only half-time’ and next time I will come out on top.”
