Hennessy Boxing: “Battle Of Midlands” Biggest In Region Over Last Three Decades

Darren McDermott claims his British Middleweight Title showdown with Wayne Elcock on June 20 is the biggest all-Midlands clash for 28 years.

Dudley’s ‘Black Country Body Snatcher’ argues there has not been a bigger Midlands boxing derby since former world title challenger Pat Cowdell and Dave Needham faced each other in Wolverhampton for the British featherweight title in 1980.

Undefeated McDermott, 14-0, is aiming to end Birmingham banger Wayne Elcock’s reign in his first defence on a Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net at the SkyDome Arena Coventry on Friday, June 20, 2008.

The ‘Battle of the Midlands’ derby had to be delayed from April 25 due to Elcock falling ill with a severe chest infection and McDermott says he is now in even better shape for his first British title opportunity.

“There’s a lot of interest in this fight in the Midlands area and I reckon it’s the biggest all-Midlands fight since Cowdell versus Needham,” said gas engineer McDermott.

“It’s Black Country versus Birmingham and I’m going to have a lot of fans down in Coventry on the night. It should be an electric atmosphere that will help.

“Cowdell and Needham were awesome fighters, but this fight is great for Midlands boxing too. I’m a pro and the postponement didn’t really bother me. I was 100 per cent ready for it then, but I’m 120 per cent ready for it now.”