Gavin Rees downs Derry Mathews to claim British lightweight title

Gavin Rees has defeated Derry Mathews to be crowned the British lightweight champion in Sheffield.

The 32-year-old has also successfully defended his European crown thanks to a ninth-round stoppage.

After a tentative opening couple of rounds, Rees began to take control in the third. However, Mathews continued to stay with his opponent in what was a close contest.

Rees came into his own in the eighth and nearly won the contest at the end of the round when Mathews was pinned to the ropes. The Liverpudlian managed to hang on thanks to the bell.

There was no saving Mathews in the ninth as a left jab from Rees floored his opponent and forced the referee to stop the fight.