Frank Maloney Boxing: Big John’s At Home

John McDermot will now defend his English heavyweight title against unbeaten hope Tyson Fury the Brentwood Centre in Essex, England on Friday, September 11.

The clash of the titans had been due to take place at Crystal Palace in London, but logistical problems has meant a venue switch much to the delight of Horndon’s McDermott

‘Big John’ will now be scrapping against his Mancunian challenger just a few miles from his home and is banking on large support.

Promoter Manager Frank Maloney said: “It was nuisance having to make the venue change, but I’ll be delighted if it helps swing the fight John’s way. John knows that if he loses this one there will be little chance of him ever winning the British title let alone getting another challenge.”

FTM blew their rivals away to win purse bids for McDermott’s fight against Fury, who has won all seven of his professional contests by KO.

McDermott (25-5) won the English crown with a sensational two round blast out of Pele Reid in April, 2008 and will be making his first defence.

The big Essex man, 29, has been controversially outpointed in his last two fights in British title showdowns against Danny Williams, and knows defeat could spell retirement

Fury, 21, has received mass attention since turning professional, but Maloney dismisses his calibre of opponents so far.

“They have been ordinary and the one name he did beat, Scott Belshaw is someone I released from his contract because he was so disappointing,” said Maloney.

In the chief support bout, a battle of little big men sees St Helens native Gary Davies risk his British bantamweight title against Ian Napa.

Hard hitting Davies (9-2-1) had been due to defend against top class Londoner Ian Napa (18-7) last month, but the show was scrapped.

But he vows to be ready when he finally comes face to face with the former European champion adding,”If I beat him it proves I am the number one in Britain.”

Tickets for the show priced £90 (ringside) and £35 (body of the hall) are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508. There is a discount for those who buy from the website.