By Sean McDaniel: Lightweight Derry Matthews (29-5, 15 KO’s) won his fourth consecutive fight in stopping Stephen Jennings (5-2-1, 2 KO’s) for the British Masters lightweight title on Saturday night at the Greenbank Sports Centre in Liverpool, England.

In the opening round, Matthews was wobbled by a big shot from Jennings and it looked like Matthews was on his way to yet another knockout loss. However, he recovered and continued to fire back powerful hooks to the head and body, showing excellent power. Matthews always had good power, and his offensive skills were never in question in the past. It was his chin that was his problem, as he had problems taking hard shots at times.

In the 6th, Matthews hurt Jennings and blasted him with three huge right hands that had him out on his feet and ready to hit the deck. Referee Steve Gray then stepped in and halted the bout at 2:50 of the round.

The 27-year-old Matthews seems stronger and less susceptible to getting knocked out now that he’s fighting at lightweight and not at featherweight. The move up in weight seems to have helped Matthews, but it still remains to be seen whether he can beat better opposition.

With this win, Matthews will likely face European Boxing Union (EBU) lightweight champion Gavin Rees (35-1, 16 KO’s) next. I don’t expect Matthews to win that fight, but hopefully he gives a good account of himself in losing.

Matthews, who at one time was a fighter with a lot of promise in the featherweight division, suffered a string of knockout loses to Choi Tseveeenpurev, Martin Lindsay, Harry Ramgodi and Scott Lawton in 2008 and 2009. Matthews’ opposition has been downgraded since then, and Matthews has responded favorably with easy wins in his last four fights.