Daniel Matthews was elated after defeating Max Cruz in the main event of Roots 29 Redemption Song. Photo: W. L Fight Photography
Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre Muay Thai fighter Daniel Matthews has closed out the card on top.
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Competing in the main event of Roots 29: Redemption Song on Saturday night, Matthews squared up to Max Cruz in the five-round show closer.
Coming off the first professional loss of his career in March, Matthews was especially motivated at the Melbourne Pavilion as he battled the experienced Cruz.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that the Wickham’s product had the better of his opponent, and that was how the judges saw it when they awarded him the fight by unanimous decision at the completion of the scheduled five three-minute rounds.
“Round one, it started off pretty slow as most of the five-round fights for Muay Thai do, they start pretty slow to get into the rhythm of the fight,” Matthews said.
“Over the course of the five rounds, I increased my intensity and I think I won over (the judges) with my left kick as my main source of damage.”
Not only did all three judges see the overall fight in Matthews’ favour, but all five rounds were awarded to the Kyabram native.
This was Matthews’ second time preparing for a bout with Cruz, as the two were scheduled to compete last year before Cruz was forced to withdraw due to travel issues.
Daniel Matthews’ left kick proved his most useful weapon against Max Cruz. Photo: W. L Fight Photography
The local team’s scouting paid off, as Matthews was able to identify an opportunity to attack within Cruz’s style.
“The whole fight camp I was watching a little bit of his fights and I realised that he wasn't checking the left kick,” Matthews said.
“Whenever someone would throw a left kick, he wasn't checking it and I happened to be right in the fight, and he didn't check my left kick at all.
“Everything just fell into place from there.”
A well-travelled competitor, Cruz attempted to change up his own game plan as it became clear Matthews had taken the early rounds.
He attempted to counter Matthews’ left kick by attacking the plant leg to disrupt the local’s balance, but the new tactic didn’t make a meaningful difference to the flow of the contest and Matthews was able to continue to score with his kicks.
Already keen to fight again and now improving to a career 7-1 record, Matthews hopes the main event win will open up additional opportunities for high-profile fights.
He is targeting a July return to the ring and is looking for options across Australia that fit around the rest of the centre’s fighting stable.
Also on the Roots 29 card, Wickham’s fighter Reese McMaster competed in her second professional fight, facing off with Perth-based Maddie Black.
McMaster was unable to improve on a 1-0 start to her career, Black prevailing in the fight by decision.
Reese McMaster was defeated by Maddie Black in her second professional fight. Photo: W. L Fight Photography
“She will continue to improve and work on stuff that she needs to work on, which is what everyone needs to do,” Matthews said.
“She did really well for only being a second fight and it’s good to see that she's taking in the stuff that (trainer) Kiw’s telling her to do, and I'm sure she'll do well on the next one.”
Next up for the Wickham’s stable, Matthews’ brother Jack is set to compete in Cambodia on June 8.
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