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Sport

Maidstone's Chris Matthews hoping for knockout display at Summer Showdown boxing show

By: Craig Tucker ctucker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 00:00, 06 July 2018

Professional boxing makes a quick return to Maidstone Leisure Centre this weekend.

The Summer Showdown hits Mote Hall on Saturday, just seven weeks on from the successful Young Guns bill.

There's added Maidstone interest with Chris Matthews joined by older brother Dave, who is making his professional debut.

Maidstone's Chris Matthews, right, connects against Jules Phillips at the Make or Break Show in February Picture: Countrywide Photographic

And there's set to be big support for another County Town fighter, Lenny Fuller, as he makes his second pro appearance.

Lightweight Chris Matthews (9-1) is due to face Ricky Starkey (2-8-2) having missed out on a proposed rematch with Jules Phillips, the man who ended his unbeaten record in February.

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The 23-year-old is looking good after linking up with new trainer Mark Murray Osborne at the Spartans Gym in Medway.

Matthews is hoping to land the elusive first knockout of his career.

Dad Ray said: "Mark's been really good for Chris. He's been teaching him different shots and different combinations and he's had him sparring bigger boys.

"The power's there, he's staggered a few opponents, it's just finishing them off.

"Hopefully that will come.

"It's also helped with Dave going pro. They've been out running together."

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Dave, who's training at the same gym, is likely to face Scott Hillman (0-29).

He's fighting at super-middleweight this weekend but intends to drop to middleweight long term.

Ray said: "Dave just wants to see how he'll get on.

"He knows pro boxing is a hard game from Chris. It's all right if you've got someone behind you."

Fuller, from Chart Sutton, impressed in his debut win against Dale Arrowsmith.

The popular super-welterweight will fight over four rounds but his opponent is still to be confirmed.

Former Southern Area champion Grant Dennis (10-1) headlines in his first fight since losing an English middleweight title fight.

The Chatham man is up against Jordan Grannum (3-27) over six rounds as promoter Joe Elfidh looks to get his man back on track.

Sheppey heavyweight Dave Jones was due to fight but is out of action with a broken eye socket after suffering a first-round knockout in Edinburgh a fortnight ago.

Other Kent fighters in action are Aidan Cassidy, Jack Raines (both Sittingbourne), Charlie Shane (Chatham), Zeki Hussein (Gillingham), Danny Barrett (Stoke, Rochester) and Jack Budge (High Halstow).

Elfidh, putting on his 11th show in the county, said: "The shows have built up over the years to a great success and are a sellout every time.

"We are attracting more and more talented fighters, and on this show alone we’ve got two Southern Area champions, a Southern Area heavyweight title contender, a British Challenge belt winner, three top amateur champions in Barrett, Raines and Budge, and Fuller is one to watch as well."

To buy tickets, priced £35 general seating or £55 ringside, call Ray Matthews on 07511 680092. Doors open at 5.30pm.

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