Curtis Woodhouse expects Derry Mathews war

British lightweight Curtis Woodhouse has predicted that his Commonwealth title bout with Derry Mathews will become "a war".

Woodhouse, who retired from professional football to pursue a boxing career, has previously sparred with his opponent and he believes that their encounter on Saturday night will turn into an enthralling battle.

The 33-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Sometimes you get cut or hurt your hands in sparring but I've come through unscathed this time. I feel really good and I just want to get my hands on him.

"We sparred about 20 rounds before he fought Anthony Crolla, every round was a war, and I expect this fight to be the same.

"I'd love to able to repeat what Tommy Coyle did but I can't fight that way, it isn't happening. I'm coming to fight, and if he says he's going to hold the centre of the ring, that's brilliant for me."

Woodhouse has won 19 out of 24 fights, while Mathews is coming off the back of a stoppage victory over Tommy Coyle.