• Boxing

Sickening clash cuts Rees v Mathews short

ESPN staff
October 1, 2011
Gavin Rees is still the European lightweight champion © PA Photos
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An accidental clash of heads in the fourth round caused Gavin Rees' fight with Derry Mathews to be declared a technical draw, meaning Rees keeps hold of the European lightweight title.

With the two boxers scrapping at close range, a sudden jolt upwards from Rees caused him to collide with Mathews' nose, which had blood gushing from it straight after impact. Following consultation with the doctor, the bout was called off.

Mathews had probably shaded the three completed rounds, boxing shrewdly behind the jab while Rees looked a little frantic and impatient with his loose swings.

The draw does little to further Rees' case for a world-title shot, as he bids to recapture the level of performance that saw him clinch the WBA light-welterweight title during 2007.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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