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Low Blows: Dirty Derry Mathews

Every Wednesday we give an Irish boxer a chance to let loose on their fellow fighters in Low Blows. This week however we have a special guest in honourary Irishman Derry Mathews [38(20)-11(8)-2]. The popular Scouser trains in Glasgow alongside the likes of Jamie Conlan, Paddy Barnes, and Tyrone McKenna, and is a regular visitor to these shores.

On Saturday night the 33 year old has another big fight. Here the Liverpool veteran steps up to light welter to take on Ohara Davies in a grudge match on the David Haye v Tony Bellew Sky pay-per-view undercard, and we’re sure Irish fight fans will get behind Dirty Derry.

Q: Hardest Trainer?
A: Every fighter Danny Vaughan trains trains hard, we’re all hard workers.

Q: Biggest Moaner?
A: Danny Vaughan is always moaning that his big shoulders are sore because of us hitting the pads!

Q: Funniest?
A: Paddy Barnes is the funniest fella I know in boxing.

Q: Biggest Ladies’ Man?
A: Ryan Moorhead, an MTK Liverpool fighter. He thinks he’s a model, he could model balaclavas that’s about it.

Q: Most Intelligent?
A: Out of who I train with… I would say me. Some of these lads are thick as pig shit.

Q: Least Intelligent?
A: Jamie Conlan. I could write a book on what he does – and he wouldn’t be able to read it!

Q: Hardest Puncher?
A: JJ Metcalf, son of Shea Neary, another MTK fighter. Big things to come from him this year.

Q: Most Naturally Talented?
A: Jamie Conlan is one of best natural talents I have ever trained alongside. The kid can do it all. Also, Sam Maxwell, he’s new to the pro game but again, he can do it all.

Q: Cheapest?
A: Charlie Edwards has 6 cups of tea a day and uses the same tea bag. He also was in the gym one day and found a plaster so he cut himself so he could use it.

Q: Worst Dancer?
A: Sam Maxwell. He is the worst I have ever seen in my life – although it’s close with Tyrone McKenna over who’s number one!

Q: Worst Dress Sense?
A: Tyrone McKenna. I have seen some crazy dress senses over my fighting career, but he wins by a country mile

Q: Biggest Messer?
A: Paddy Barnes. He’s mental, but when in training he’s a little machine and all work

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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