 Mathews was himself a former ABA bantamweight champion, winning the title in 2002 two years before Marsh would pick up the same crown.The fight in October 2007 ended with a first defeat for Marsh with the step up in class proving a bit too much when the fight was stopped in the 11th round.It was the first time Marsh had been taken beyond 10 rounds and observers noted that the fatigue was beginning to show as he struggled into the later stages.