Interim WBA World lightweight titlist Derry Mathews will likely face challenger Ismael Barroso in the UK this November. While the contract has yet to be signed, teams for both fighters have agreed to the title match.

A Liverpudlian, 31-year-old Mathews is a 12-year pro (38-9-2, 20 KOs) who won the title in April by decisioning Tony Luis. “Dirty” has won five of his last six, his most recent loss coming by way of Stephen Ormond who won by unanimous decision in December 2013. Mathews last drew that same year, in March, against Anthony Crolla. However tough, the man from Liverpool’s chin is in some question, as he’s lost seven of nine by knockout. He was last stopped by Gavin Rees via ninth-round TKO in July 2012. Mathews drew against Rees in October 2011.

A southpaw from El Tigre, Venezuela, 32-year-old Barroso is an undefeated and murderous-punching 10-year ring vet (18-0-2, 17 KOs) who most recently fought in April, knocking out Ira Terry in the first of their eight-rounder. Thus far, only Abraham Gomez has gone the distance with the Venezuelan knockout artist, losing by unanimous decision in December 2011. Barroso drew in his first fight, in August 2005, against Carlos Cardenas, as well as against Wilson Silva in December 2010, whom he stopped by first-round TKO in November 2011. Ranked #2 by the WBA, the Venezuelan has won several of the sanctioning body’s championships, including the vacant Fedebol title in 2011, the interim Fedelatin title in 2012, and the interim WBA-NABA title this year. The upcoming match with Mathews marks his first shot at a world championship.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.