By James Slater: When they met back in July, British big men Danny Williams and John McDermott engaged in a highly spirited and also very controversial twelve-rounder. Underdog McDermott used his underrated skills and fast hands to give “The Brixton Bomber” a real battle and in most eyes “Big Bad John” deserved the points win..
Not only did the 28-year-old have a very big round where he almost KO’d the defending British heavyweight champion, but McDermott also saw Williams being deducted no less than three points for infringements – low blows, shoving and spitting out the mouthpiece deliberately. When the final deduction was made from Danny in the 12th and final round, it appeared as though McDermott had pulled off the win. In many eyes he had done enough to win anyway, the three points taken away from the 35-year-old clinched it. Or so they thought. Quite amazingly, Williams kept his title as he was declared a majority decision winner.
Promoter Frank Maloney was so incensed, he called the verdict one of the worst he’d ever seen in his life and he also threatened to quit the sport! Now, on November 1st, so as to clear up any doubt about who the superior fighter is, a rematch will be fought in London. Who will win this time?
Williams is just about the most unpredictable fighter in Britain. Capable of looking a world beater in one fight, and then far from it in another, the 40-6(31) warrior is also a fighter whose weight has fluctuated in bouts – quite notoriously so. For the McDermott fight, Williams was quite high at 265 pounds, some 37 pounds heavier than what he weighed-in for in his win over Scott Gammer – the fight in which Danny regained the British title he’d lost to Michael Sprott. Maybe he’ll come in lower and more focused on November 1st.
Williams did say post-fight in July that he has problems getting motivated for guys like McDermott. Having been in with Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko, British level opposition doesn’t get Danny going like it used to. Should he have this problem in the rematch with the 25-4(16) McDermott, Danny may well have another tough night.
McDermott, who is also a huge heavyweight at 250-plus pounds, will certainly be up for the rematch. Convinced he won in July, the man who was once blown away inside a single round by Matt Skelton in an earlier challenge for the British belt gave what is arguably his career-best performance. Not expected to hurt Danny as badly as he did, John also out-boxed the more experienced man at times. Indeed, Williams looked tired, swollen and more than a touch frustrated after the long 12 rounds were over. Giving a prayer of thanks after being given the win, Muslim Williams also gave a sigh of relief.
Expect another ultra-competitive bout on November 1st. Williams and his fans feel this time he will be much better prepared, both mentally and physically, and will beat McDermott much more convincingly. While a KO can never be ruled out between the two big men – one way or the other – I go for another Williams points win. Hopefully this time there will be no controversy.