Mike Tyson Victor Rates John McDermott

"English heavyweight champion John McDermott will be hard to beat", said British champion Danny Williams yesterday at a London press conference announcing the July 4 bout between the two.

Williams, whose 38 wins include 30 stoppages, defends his belt at Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, England following his ninth round stoppage of Scott Gammer in March of last year to reclaim the British title he lost to Michael Sprott four years ago.

However Williams, who beat former undisputed world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in July, 2004, is not underestimating the new English champ.

“I rate John very highly, he is a very skillful fighter,” Williams said. “This is going to be a very hard fight for me as John McDermott is a tremendously fast fighter. He has so much skill and ability, it is going to be a really tough fight for me.

McDermott is coming off six consecutive victories and most recently demolished dangerous slugger Pele Reid in just two rounds last month to capture the vacant English title.

Promoter Frank Maloney believes the contest is an ideal opportunity for both fighters to take their careers yet another step forward.

“I believe the winner of this will go on to a lot of better things,” Maloney said. “It is a fight that the public want to see and to see if Danny can do the same as he did to Mike Tyson."

Danny Williams defends his British Heavyweight title against John McDermott on July 4, 2008 at Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, England with full undercard support. Tickets go on sale next week.