Big bad John aims to upset the odds

A LARGE fan following will be cheering John McDermott as he defends his English heavyweight title against Manchester giant Tyson Fury at Brentwood on Friday night, with the venue close to a 2,000 sell-out, writes LEN WHALEY.

The six-feet-eight-inches tall Tyson is the hot hope on the heavyweight scene, with seven straight quick victories to his credit, but Newham-trained McDermott is his toughest test so far.

Their showdown duel, which has sparked keen interest in the show, reflects the rivalry between their backers, Frank Maloney and Mick Hennessy.

Busy Maloney promotes the show and looks for McDermott to upset the odds and flatten Fury's big time ambitions with a crushing victory.

Hennessy insists that the 21-year-old giant will slam McDermott, and then go on his way to clean up the heavyweight division.

Peacock Gym-trained McDermott has known his setbacks in title action, and the promoter spells out the importance of the fight for his future: "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," says Maloney.

Also featured are two other local heavyweight hopes under the Maloney banner - Tom Dallas and Larry Olubamiwo.

Peacock Gym-based Dallas has punched out six straight wins inside a year in the paid ranks, and looks to continue his march in a six-rounder on the undercard.

Ex-Repton amateur Olubamiwo, a feared puncher who has suffered just a single defeat in his five pro starts, awaits his opponent.

Former British bantamweight champion Martin Power aims to boost his comeback campaign with a victory over Matthew Edmonds, which could earn a battle for his old belt, and a return with former rival Ian Napa.

Eric Ochieng, a big-hitting former amateur, is set to launch his pro career on the show.

Other boxers on the bill are welter Martin Welsh, light welterweight Tyrone Nurse, flyweight Ashley Sexton and welterweight Scott Woolford.