Middleweight Andrew Lowe has hit back at claims from fight rival Harry Matthews that he is over the hill and is vowing to let his fists do the talking when the pair meet in the ring for the third time in December.
Andrew Lowe prepares for his fight against Harry Matthews. (141111MW8-45)
The 31-year-old former Royal Marine takes on Matthews at the Grove Leisure Centre on December 3 for the vacant British Masters Middleweight title.
Their last bout, at Matthews’ home venue, Elland Road, Leeds, was controversially called a draw.
In an inflammatory interview given to the Advertiser last week, the 23-year-old York-based boxer made bold claims that he, not Lowe, easily won the last fight.
Matthews — nicknamed the Pocklington Rocket — also suggested the Newark man was ‘well past his best.’
Fighting back in an exclusive interview with the Advertiser, Lowe fervently rebuked the claims.
He said: “After what he said last week I need no extra incentive to go into that ring and smash him up — I just wish the fight was tomorrow, I am so excited to get in there and right some wrongs.
“Harry is living in a dream world. He knows full well I won the last fight. I have no idea why he’s come out and said otherwise.
“I wonder sometimes whether he really believes his own hype because having been in the ring with him twice now I know I have nothing to fear.
“To be honest, I’m surprised he took the fight on.
“I don’t like him at all — this has only made me more determined.”
In their last bout, on September 24, referee Phil Edwards scored the fight 95-95 after ten rounds, despite Lowe’s camp believing he was the winner.
Their first contest, in October 2010, was edged by Matthews by two rounds.
Lowe’s record reads eight wins, one by knock-out, six losses (two by knock-out) and one draw.
Trained by former boxing champion Carl Greaves, Lowe believes he is in the shape of his life.
“Our fights seem to have captured the public imagination and hopefully when we meet again in a few weeks it will be a great contest,” he said.
“His comments seem to have added a bit of extra spice to the night, that’s for sure.
“The last fight, a ten-rounder, I took at three-week’s notice and I was still fitter and stronger than he was.
“In Newark, with my home crowd behind me, I know I can grind him down and break his heart in that ring. Hopefully I can stop him.
“It would mean everything to me to win the belt. I’m in the shape of my life and come December 3 I’m not going to give him a second to think, I am going to be all over him.”
The fight, which tops the bill on the Carl Greaves Promotions, The Rematch, will be held over ten three-minute rounds.
Tickets are £30 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside). For tickets call 07709 451337 or the leisure centre on 01636 655780.
