John McDermott

Who is John McDermott?

John McDermott is an English heavyweight boxer from Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, England. He is a two-time challenger for the British Heavyweight title and is the current English Heavyweight title holder.

On 18 April 2008, McDermott won the vacant BBBofC English heavyweight title, knocking out Pele Reid in the second round. He had fought for the same title once before in 2004 losing on that occasion to Mark Krence. In September 2007, he had become the mandatory challenger for a second shot at the British title beating Scott Gammer on points over 10 rounds. He had fought for the title once before in December 2005 losing in the 1st round to Matt Skelton.

McDermott finally faced Danny Williams at Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Dagenham on 18 July 2008. He was defeated controversially by a majority points decision. His promoter, Frank Maloney commented on the judges saying; "I believe it is one of the worst decisions I have witnessed since I started promoting more than 25 years ago, and I've seen some bad ones." He was defeated again in the rematch on 2 May 2009. McDermott lost his English heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in another controversial decision on 11 September. Referee Terry O'Connor, scored the fight 98-92 in favour of Fury. After the referee handed the decision to Fury, Sky Sports commentator Jim Watt asked; "Has he [O'Connor] got the names mixed up?" Jim Watt along with other commentators Glenn McCrory, Johnny Nelson all scored the fight to McDermott, as did David Haye. Fury defeated McDermott in a rematch on 25 June 2010. McDermott won a unanimous points decision against Matt Skelton on 16 March 2013 to regain the English Heavyweight title.