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Danny Williams knows he is just one punch away from a world heavyweight title fight against WBC champion Samuel Peter.
To reach his dream, the south Londoner has to come through a British heavyweight title defence against John McDermott at Dagenham, England’s Goresbrook Leisure Centre on Friday night.
Williams, 39-6 (31), has often been accused of lacking motivation, but promised he’s in the sort of form that destroyed Mike Tyson almost four years ago.
Danny, 35, said: “This is the news that I have always wanted to hear. I know I can join the elite of the heavyweight division. This fight is all the motivation I needed.”
Local favourite McDermott, 25-3 (16), froze in his sole British title challenge, against Matt Skelton in December 2005, but has vowed to produce a white hot performance against the defending champion and steal Williams’ glory on Friday night.
“This is the fittest I have ever been,” promised McDermott.
The 28-year-old added: ”For the last 12 weeks I have been running, sparring and exercising and there is no way that I will quit. The only way I am going out is to be carried out on my shield; I will prove all the knockers wrong.
“I know I will finish with the Lonsdale belt strapped around my waist.”
The bill at the Goresbrook on July 18 also sees Commonwealth light welter champion Ajose Olusegun, 23-0 (12), making an appearance. The Nigerian born, London based southpaw is ranked #4 by the WBC and promoter Frank Maloney has issued a standing challenge for WBC champion Timothy Bradley, to face Olusegun.
The undercard features former British bantamweight champion Martin Power, 19-3 (8), who is on the hunt for his former title. Power knows that should he win his bout on the 18th, he will get a chance to challenge Commonwealth title holder Jason Booth.
Also scheduled to appear is the 5 foot 10 inch tall bantamweight version of Tommy Hearns, the world ranked South African sensation, Tshifhiwa Munyai, 16-0-1 (8), as well as fast-handed London featherweight Akaash Bhatia, 11-0 (2), big punching Belfast heavyweight Scott Belshaw, 8-1 (7), and Kent welterweight Scott Woolford, 7-1 (1).
Frank Maloney Promotions presents “Collision Course”, the British heavyweight title fight between Danny Williams and John McDermott with full undercard on Friday, July 18, 2008 at the Goresbrook Leisure Center in Dagenham, England.
Tickets are priced at £85 and £45 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise live on SS1 at 10PM.
