Martin Gethin loses his grip on the British title
Walsall's Martin Gethin was convinced he had done enough to win and wants a rematch with Derry Mathews after suffering a split-decision loss.
It came in his maiden defence of the British lightweight title at the Olympia in Liverpool on Saturday evening, as 'Dirty Derry' lifted the belt for a second time.
Dave Parris turned in a 116-112 total in favour of Gethin, fellow judges Michael Alexander and Phil Edwards scoring for Mathews 117-113 and 115-114 respectively.
Gethin said: "I thought I did enough to see it through. Most champions get the decision when it's that close.
"Then again, I had to go into his back yard and defend my title and you don't always get the decision. It was a close, tough fight but one that I thought I won.
"He had nothing left at the end. He didn't throw a punch in the last three rounds. He was holding on and not throwing anything back.
"It's disappointing and I would like the chance to get it on with him again. He's due to defend the belt against Terry Flanagan in July.
"But, after that, I want the chance to reclaim what's mine."
Mathews started the stronger, working off the jab and constantly trying to connect with his explosive overhand right.
Spurred on by a vociferous home-town crowd, Scouser Mathews was much the busier fighter in the early rounds.
Gethin, a notoriously slow starter, clicked through the gears as the fight wore on, pawing away to good effect.
His accuracy and durability was causing Mathews a few problems. The challenger was visibly tiring in the latter rounds.
However, Gethin left himself with much to do and Mathews hung on, literally at times in the closing stages, to reclaim the crown he last held in 2012.
By Dan Mole
