18.03.09 – by James Slater – British big men Danny Williams and John McDermott meet in an intriguing rematch this coming May 2nd. When the two met last July, “Big Bad John” succeeded in giving the defending British champion all he could handle in a very eventful fight – eventually losing via a points margin that some saw as a lucky and undeserved result for Williams..
A lot has happened to the 35-year-old “Brixton Bomber” since his tougher-than-expected victory. Most importantly – and shockingly – Williams lost his next fight. Being stopped in quite sensational fashion by the little-known Albert Sosnowski, the British-based Pole, Danny was shocked in the 8th round in November of 2008. Thankfully, the British title was not on the line, and now the enigmatic warrior with the 40-7(31) record gets yet another chance to get back to winning ways in a big(ish) fight.
Williams, who has been known to blow hot and cold almost as much as he has been known to let his weight fluctuate, simply has to win this one or his career will surely be over. As for 29-year-old McDermott, currently 25-4(16), he has not fought since his near miss majority decision setback last summer. As such, the challenger will have seen no action for almost ten months by the time the two men tangle in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear in May. Will the younger man suffer from ring-rust as a result?
No-one has heard a peep out of Williams since the loss he suffered at the hands of the brawler from Poland, yet it is to be hoped he has locked himself away for a reason – to train like an animal for what is almost certainly the single most important fight of his pro career. As I say, if Danny loses this one it’s over for him.
It’s safe to say we can expect a competitive fight in May. Not a big puncher according to most, McDermott sure had the defending British champ reeling in the middle stages of last summer’s encounter. Williams, who also saw three points deducted from his score total due to fouls (low blows, pushing on, and spitting out his gum-shield), really had to dig deep and suck up some crisp head shots. This he did – in admirable fashion it must be said – and he hung on for a close, controversial win. There is nothing to suggest fight-two will be any easier for either man, least of all the crushing loss Williams suffered against Sosnowski and the idleness McDermott has endured.
Danny, who famously once saw off what was left of the formerly great Mike Tyson, is always in with a chance of getting his man out of there – and against his challenger in May he just might surprise us all and come out with a vintage KO win. McDermott too, if he can land the kind of hard shots he did in fight-one – can score a stoppage.
Another distance fight is more likely, however. Williams, after having had a good, long run in the sport, may be ready for the taking. And McDermott, so much fresher, might just be the man to take him. Either way it’s going to be a fight to see, but this writer picks “The Brixton Bomber” to pull out one more, possibly final, victory. Danny on points once again.