While we like to focus on football and most importantly Celtic from time to time you will see us have interviews with all kinds of sports personalities who have some affection towards the club.
This week CeltsAreHere caught up with good Celtic lad and current Commonwealth Lightweight champion Derry Mathews.
Name:Â Derry Mathews
DOB:Â 23/09/83 (Age:29)
Birthplace:Â Liverpool, Merseyside
Stance:Â Orthodox
Height: 5′ 8½″  /  174cm
Reach: 68″  /  173cm
Derry is also a former holder of the IBO International Lightweight, WBU Featherweight  and English Featherweight titles.
The Englishman has had 43 fights, won 33(18KO), lost 8 and drawn 2.
Growing up in Liverpool, the boxer is a big Reds fan but also has a place in his heart for Celtic.
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Interview in full.
CAH : Hi Derry, first off many thanks for speaking to us. Congratulations on possibly the knock out of the year in your last outing against Tommy Coyle.Â
The guys and girls at www.celtsarehere.com would like to know a bit about your love of Scotland and your support of Celtic FC
CAH: I know you go to Scotland for camp before every fight, can you tell us why Scotland?
DM: I have had to be based in Scotland as my trainer Danny Vaughan has moved there to be with his wife Sandra.
CAH: What do you think of the boxing family in Scotland, fans and fighters?
DM: Brilliant place. I’m based in Glasgow and the people have made me feel welcome, like my second home. Alex Morrison gym is top class his staff are great and the people who use the gym are great to me.
And some great fighters in Scotland just look at Ricky Burns – he’s best in the world.
CAH: Are you finding good sparring there or do you take your own boys in?
DM: I spar Ricky Burns, Craig Docherty, Alex Arthur, etc.
CAH: Quality indeed, mate. You’re a big Liverpool fan, how do you feel about the club at the moment?
DM: Bit disappointed that we haven’t made some major signings but time will tell half way through the season in what direction the club’s going.
CAH: Where did your Support of Celtic come from?
DM: Since I’ve been a little boy. I’m a good catholic boy and my mum always had me in a Celtic kit growing up. I have a brick on the wall at the ground.
CAH: What do you think of the current team and how is Neil Lennon doing in your eyes, Derry?
DM: I have been too busy last few weeks to pay attention to Liverpool or Celtic and was hard for me to watch them last week play each other but I did realise Celtic had a weak side out and still beat Liverpool.
CAH: One of Celtics greatest European results was 2003 at Anfield. Was there a split in the family and how was it for you?
DM: No, I’m a big red and Celtic is my second team so I always want Liverpool to win.
CAH: Would you like to see Celtic in the English Premiership?
DM: Yes, would be good for them as Rangers are playing Sunday league football there are no big games for them in Scotland.
CAH: (chuckle)
 CAH: Can you tell us a bit about the banter in the gym? There must be a lot of teams represented?
DM: In my gym in Liverpool we have more blues than reds. I have a lot of Everton and Liverpool players training and in Scotland Rangers fans don’t like to have banter about it plus in Alex Morrison’s gym no football colours allowed. I think it’s because he’s a Rangers man!
CAH: And nobody would argue with Alex! Who’s your all-time favourite Celtic player?
DM: Got to be Larsson.
CAH: He certainly was something very special mate and a fitting last word. Derry Mathews, thanks very much mate and all the best from the Celtic Family in your next defence against Curtis Woodhouse at the Olympia on the 21st Sept.
DM: Cheers pal
Derry Mathews is on twitter @derrymathews23 and a follow is highly recommended for loads of banter and contact direct for tickets.
Derry Mathews Fitness Centre is open to everybody and they have classes to suit all. More information can be found at www.dmfitnesscentre.co.uk
Thanks for reading, HH
@DazDiCanio
