Matthews, 19, has been making waves on the professional circuit after his debut fight in September 2021, and the Echuca-trained martial artist has gone from strength to strength.
He now boasts two wins from his opening trio of fights, and Matthews will look to make it three this Saturday night at Melbourne Pavilion when he faces Dylan Lalouette at Rebellion Muay Thai’s Root 17: Small Axe event.
He will go head-to-head with Lalouette in a three-round fight, with each going for three minutes, one of 14 support bouts on the card.
Matthews, who trains at Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre under coach Kiw Eikkasit, has enjoyed his time as a professional.
“I love it,” Matthews said.
“I’m pretty excited for the fight. In the last one, I realised how much I liked doing it.”
In his previous fight, Matthews soaked in the pressure of a healthy Melbourne crowd to overcome opponent Daniel Lim in December, taking his professional record to 2-1.
It was a departure from Matthews’ debut fight, where no crowds were permitted to attend due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the win against Lim, Matthews took away several valuable lessons.
“That was my first crowded show, the one that really drew excitement for it all — having friends and family down there,” Matthews said.
“There were a couple of times (against Lim) where I threw some shots, and they didn’t land because I was trying to go too high.
“I’ll look to change levels when I take my shots, instead of just going for the head all the time.”
Against Lalouette, the card indicates the fight will be conducted in the 63-64kg category, but Matthews’ opponent will come in as the heavier fighter.
“This time around I’m fighting a guy that fought last time at 66kg,” Matthews said.
“He’s cutting a bit more and I’m cutting a bit less so we can get to a point where he can fight me at the same weight.
“If he is heavier, he’s probably going to hit a bit harder, and my cardio will be a bit drained if I take too many shots.
“I just have to use my IQ a bit more.”
For Matthews, the build-up and training to a fight is nearly as rewarding as the fight itself, admitting he takes pride in his preparation.
“I enjoy training and putting my body through it, seeing how it all comes out at the end,” he said.
“At the end, I’ve done the work — I can look back and say that I did it.”
Muay Thai incorporates the use of fists, elbows, knees and shins, and fighters can win through points or by knockout.
Tickets for the fight and a live-stream of the event can be found at rebellionmuaythai.com.au
Jack Matthews vs Dylan Lalouette
Saturday, February 26 at Melbourne Pavilion
First fight from 6pm
12°C