By Elliot Foster

Guillermo Rigondeaux (16-0, 10 KOs) will use a well-known training facility when he touches down on Merseyside ahead of his UK debut next month.

The Cuban, who is a two-time Olympic champion as well as a former WBO and WBA Super super bantamweight world ruler, is set to use the Derry ABC gym in the city centre, which is the home of WBO lightweight title challenger Derry Mathews.

Mathews confirmed on social media that ‘El Chacal’, 35, will train in the L3 area ahead of his ECHO Arena showdown against Jazza Dickens (21-1, 6 KOs) on March 12, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Rigondeaux faces Mathews’ Liverpool counterpart over 10 rounds in a showcase addition to the undercard of the WBO lightweight title clash between the aforementioned Derry and  Manchester’s Terry Flanagan, who holds the crown.

Also, Zolani Tete –– who recently signed a promotional deal with Queensberry Promotions and will feature on the bill –– will train at Mathews’ gym.

And Derry has opened his arms to future overseas fighters to use his state-of-the-art community fitness centre.

“[Both Zolani and Rigo] are champs and will be treated with all the respect in the world,” Mathews told Boxing Scene.

“But they’re also just one of the lads. If they want the gym closing, I will close it for them.”

South Africa’s Tete, who relinquished the IBF super flyweight title after being offered buttons for his mandatory defence, used Mathews’ gym last March in preparation for knocking out Paul Butler at the same venue.

Mathews has been the latest of a long list of boxing names to show their support to 24-year-old Dickens, who has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime and is the British super bantamweight champion.

“Jazza, in my eyes, is in a win-win situation,” Mathews continued telling ‘Scene.

“You put boxing gloves on as a kid because you want to go on to fight the best. He’s fighting the best and full credit to him –– it couldn’t happen to a better kid.

“At least he’s got the bollocks [to take on the challenge] and I hope Liverpool gets behind him.”