Tommy Coyle to make sensational ring return with Derry Mathews rematch

James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc

Former Commonwealth lightweight champion Tommy Coyle will make a return to the ring later this year in a rematch against ex-British and European champion Derry Mathews.

The two first met in the 13 years ago at Craven Park when competing for the Commonwealth strap, with Liverpool's Mathews catching Coyle in the 10th round to win a fight the Hull star looked on course to triumph in.

The defeat and exposure gained from the fight, on the undercard to Luke Campbell's debut fight, would go on to make Coyle and help establish him as a household name and one of the British boxing scene's most popular fighters.

The two boxers became good friends after the bout and have put on joint amateur bouts previously for their respective clubs, with this rematch aiming to raise money for amateur boxing in Hull and on Merseyside. A venue is set to be announced next week, but Hull Live understands the fight will take place in Hull later this year, with the undercard made up of some of the best amateurs from the respective cities.

While the event will be raising money for a good cause, the two boxers are understood to have made a commitment to go for it with each other and the expectation is this won't be a simple exhibition bout, more something akin to the current Misfits boxing scene which has taken off in recent years.

Coyle has not fought for seven years since bringing his career to a close at Madison Square Garden in New York with defeat to Chris Algieri, ending his 30-fight career that brought countless highs as well as titles. Still a hugely prominent figure in Hull through his boxing gyms and charity work, the 37-year-old former champion will fight for what is expected to be one last time as he looks to raise a significant amount of money for amateur boxing in Hull.

Details of the fight, the venue and tickets are expected to be revealed next week with Friday, December 11 scheduled for the date, which coincides with the heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in Cardiff.

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