British lightweight Derry Mathews has admitted that he is grateful for Tony Luis stepping in at short notice to face him in an interim WBA title clash on Saturday night.

Mathews has seen WBA champion Richar Abril withdraw through illness and replacement Ismael Barroso pull out with visa problems, but the Liverpudlian will now face Canadian fighter Luis at the Echo Arena this weekend.

The 31-year-old is quoted by World Boxing News as saying: "It's obviously not ideal preparing for three different opponents in one camp, but regardless, I will still be capturing a version of the world title this weekend and making my life dream come true.

"I've prepared for three different styles so anything he brings shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Luis is a decent operator and was already in camp but I thank him on taking up this opportunity and keeping my dream alive."

Luis travels to England with a professional record of 19 wins in 21 contests.