Tyson Fury has caused quite a stir since turning professional in December, as the Manchester based novice has benefited from an unprecedented amount of press releases showcasing his brash and ultra-confident viewpoints. The towering 21 year old has pointed to his string of victories over hand-picked opposition as proof that he is indeed the self-proclaimed savior of heavyweight boxing in Britain. Next month, Fury, 7-0 (7), will be given a reality check as he will meet one of the more experienced heavyweights on the domestic scene, “Big Bad” John McDermott, 25-5 (16). The pair face-off for McDermott’s English title at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, England on Friday, September 11..
It’s a mouth-watering clash that every fight fan in Britain has been waiting for and kicks off the new boxing season in style for promoter Frank Maloney’s FTM Sports organization.
29 year old McDermott has little use for the constant attention seeking of young Fury and prefers to prepare for battle in a professional manner and let his fists do the talking in the ring.
The Essex man will have the opportunity to dismantle Fury in front of a hometown venue stuffed full of his loyal fans, who are backing McDermott to the hilt in this English title defense.
McDermott won over the hearts and minds of many with his pair of British title challenges against the most decorated man in UK boxing today, Danny Williams.
Although Williams was awarded narrow split or majority decision victory on both occasions, more than a few ringside spectators felt McDermott was the better man in the ring and is the uncrowned British champion.
Nevertheless, the 24 rounds with Williams provided a scathing litmus test that McDermott passed with flying colors and “Big Bad” John is only too happy to have the chance to administer the same opportunity to Tyson Fury.
Chief support at the Brentwood Centre is provided by the British bantamweight title fight between champion Gary Davies, 9-2-1 (7), and former European titlist Ian Napa, 18-7 (1).
Also on the bill will be two English title contests as red-hot prospect Ashley Sexton, 7-0 (3), faces off against seasoned former British super fly titlist Andy Bell, 11-4 (3), for the vacant flyweight strap and light middleweight champ Andrew Facey, 20-5-2 (6), has a rematch on tap with ex-British beltholder Gary Woolcombe, 27-2 (10).
The undercard features the continuing comeback of former British bantamweight titlist Martin Power, 20-4 (8), along with such emerging talents as big punching heavyweight Tom Dallas, 6-0 (4), light middleweight Martin Welsh, 1-0 (0), and middleweight Tony Hill, making his pro debut.
FTM Sports presents “Colossal”, the Heavyweight Championship of England between reigning titlist John McDermott and challenger Tyson Fury with full undercard on Friday, September 11, 2009 at The Brentwood Centre in Essex, England.
Tickets are priced £90 and £35 and are available from The Box Office on 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com
Tyson Fury primed for Big Bad John
Undefeated heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury says he’s counting down the days to his first title fight – an English title showdown with “Big Bad” John McDermott on September 11th. The 6 foot 9 inch heavyweight sensation is undefeated in 7 pro fights with all 7 wins coming via knockout and he’s determined to maintain that perfect KO streak against McDermott. A back injury had hampered Fury’s preparations ahead of his most recent outing in London last month but the 21-year-old says he’s fighting fit ahead of his date with McDermott. “My backs 100% again now and I’ve been working very hard in the gym. I’m really fired up for this, it’s my first title fight and I want to win it in style.”
Fury will challenge for McDermott’s belt after promoter Frank Maloney submitted the winning purse bid to stage the fight. The bid is believed to be a record for an English title fight demonstrating just how big an impact Fury has made in British boxing since turning pro last December.
The Hennessy Sports promoted Fury says he has no problems fighting in his opponent’s back yard on a rival promoter’s event. “It will make a nice change for Frank Maloney to finally have a decent heavyweight on one of his shows. I’ve watched some of the big lumps he’s had on his shows recently and its like watching Dumbo on Ice, they can barely stand upright, let alone throw punches.
“To be fair to John McDermott he’s the best of a bad lot with Maloney’s heavyweights and thankfully for him he can fight a lot better than he looks.”
Maloney recently criticised Fury saying that he had a big mouth but Fury says he’s ready, willing and able to back up his big talk. “That’s the difference between me and a lot of these other guys. I might talk the talk but I walk the walk as well and I’ll prove that against McDermott.
“Maloney obviously believes that McDermott can beat me but I think that just proves what I said before, what Maloney knows about heavyweights could be tattooed on the back of my big toe.”
The latest venue mooted for the bout is the Brentwood Centre in Essex but Fury says he’s not fussed where the fight takes place. “They keep changing the venue, first it was the York Hall, then it was Crystal Palace and now I’ve been told it’s moved again to Brentwood but they can put it on in McDermott’s back garden as far as I’m concerned, the result will be the same anyway. I’m going to be coming home with that English title belt.”