Matthews was the headline attraction on the Roots 31: Rock Stone card on Saturday at the Melbourne Pavillion, but was on the end of a second-round knockout by Queensland opponent Sunny Mawer.
Mawer committed to a right hand, then, with his back to Matthews, followed into a left backfist that connected flush, the official immediately stopping the fight.
“I wasn't expecting it, it came out of nowhere,” Matthews said.
“I thought I was in a safe position and then I guess I wasn't.”
The defining moment came after a back-and-forth first round, Matthews feeling he was well in the contest before the finish.
“I definitely thought it was shaping up,” he said.
“It was going to be a good fight, back and forth.
“I thought I hurt his leg a little bit and I thought I could roll forward with that but obviously I got caught.”
After a quieter 2025, Matthews is looking for a more active 2026, and is headed into recovery as he looks for his next opportunity.
Matthews was originally scheduled for the semi-main on this card, but was moved into top spot after brother Daniel Matthews’ main event bout fell through.
Muay Thai Lab open for business
The Matthews brothers are part of the newly formed Muay Thai Lab martial arts school, run by head trainer Kiw Eikkasit and his wife, Tracey, who have formed their own business after previously working under Wickham’s Martial Arts in Echuca.
The lab, which opened at the end of last year, runs sessions on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings training Muay Thai, boxing and general conditioning, with classes targeted towards kids, “big kids” and teens as well as adults.
You can find more information about Muay Thai Lab on its Facebook or Instagram pages, with inquiries welcome via direct message.
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