A local comedian is hoping he can have the last laugh when he takes on Liverpool boxer Derry Mathews in a charity boxing contest.
Tony Carroll will take on Mathews at The Dome, Renshaw Street on Friday 1st March 2013… provided he can shed some pounds.
Carroll, who is also the manager of a local amateur football team Woolton FC, pitched the idea to Mathews via Twitter following a game against Mathews’ team Crown FC.
Mathews, who has won 31 of his 40 previous fights including 16 knock outs, is currently the English Lightweight and IBO Intercontinental Champion but taking on the 29-year-old isn’t the only challenge Carroll faces – first he must lose five stones in weight before the fight.
Carroll told JMU Journalism: “This is possibly going to be the hardest thing I have done. I weigh just over 20 stone and the agreement is to lose five stone before the fight. I’ve stuck at it now for a couple of days and it’s very hard and depressing. It’s going to be all worth it, because there are charities involved and also it will be good for myself.
“I respect Derry as a fighter and I honestly don’t think I have missed one of his fights. So I am honoured to step in the ring with him so I will definitely lose the weight!”
Local charities Claire House Children’s Hospice and Alder Hey Hospital will benefit from the proceeds of ticket sales.