Boxing In Britain: A £50,000 Wager On Tyson Fury?

Bragging rights in the travelling community will be at stake when John McDermott risks his English heavyweight crown against Tyson Fury.

The feuding boxers meet in the grudge fight of 2009 at Brentwood Centre on Friday with the venue close to a 2000 seat sell-out.

Manchester’s Fury (7-0) hails from a famous bare-knuckle fighting gypsy family, while McDermott, who lost his last two fights in British championship wars against Danny Williams, also comes from a travelling background.

Promoter Frank Maloney: “I am told there have been some massive bets among different factions in the travelling community.

“That doesn’t surprise me because travellers are pretty fearless when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is.

“There is even a suggestion that someone in Essex has taken a £50,000 bet on Fury winning the fight, which is nuts.

“There is going to be so much pride at stake between the fighters and fans that the atmosphere will be like a bear-pit and it makes for a wildly exciting match-up.

“It is a fascinating fight where McDermott is in the last chance saloon and Fury has to live up to his boasts. He’ll look daft if he doesn’t.”

Essex boxer McDermott (25-5) has been upset at criticism over his 18 stone frame, but insists Fury will be silenced in their big fight, which is televised live by Sky Sports.

McDermott, who wants a third clash with Williams if he defeats Fury, says: “People don’t realise I can box. I have a good left hand and my boxing is one of my best attributes.

“Look at Martin Rogan. He has a fantastic body, but I am not born like that. I run at a good pace for an hour some mornings and keep up with boxers of 11 stone. I train hard three times a day.”

The last few remaining tickets for the show, priced £90 and £35, are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.