WARRINGTON'S Mark 'The Diamond' Matthews is hoping to get the chance to lead England to further Thai boxing glory.

An England versus Germany event is being negotiated to take place at the Parr Hall in September following Sunday's glory night when Matthews won an international Thai boxing match for his country at the same venue.

The England captain defeated Belgian's Bruno Rucci in the top-of-the-bill super welterweight bout to clinch his nation's success by two fights to one.

Rucci had major problems dealing with the 24-year-old Warrington Kick Boxing Studio fighter and at the end of round three the Belgian team withdrew their man and Matthews was awarded the decision by technical knockout.

In the first round Matthews connected with several good shots followed by kicks to the ribs. A fast right punch connected and Rucci was on the floor. The referee issued an eight count and Rucci rose to his feet in time to be saved by the bell.

Matthews began to work on his opponent's legs in the second round and landed some kicks to the thigh, clearly hurting Rucci. After an exchange of punches Matthews delivered a strong knee to the head and Rucci was in trouble again.

Rucci tried to take the fight straight to Matthews in the third round in what was a fourth change of tactics. Matthews covered well from each attack and then grabbed his opponent. Knee attacks were exchanged between the two with Matthews' knees connecting to the ribs and again the head.

Matthews pressured his opponent with boxing and shin kicks and again rocked his opponent's head backwards with several of his punches.

Andy Howsen was England's other winner in the international match but other Warrington fighters figured on the undercard.

Chris Cronin's opponent pulled out but a replacement was found in Scott McAlinden, a much bigger opponent.

In round one, Cronin received an eight count from the referee after being caught with a hook and he was retired from the contest as it was felt that the extra strength and weight of McAlinden was too much.

Dave Leffer put in an excellent performance before losing by one point.

Nicola Fearnley won on points against Emma Armour for the women's British title.