Matt Skelton Vs John McDermott II - Fight Preview

By Jack Sumner @Jack_Sumner_

A warning to all boxing purists: There’s going to be a slugfest.

That’s surely the only outcome when you put ‘The Bedford Bear’ Matt Skelton in the ring against ‘Big Bad’ John McDermott.

This Friday at the York Hall in Bethnall Green, the two veterans of the British heavyweight scene will meet for a second time, with each man bidding to get back into the domestic picture after setbacks in 2012.

Both Skelton and McDermott were early knockout victims of David Price in the last calendar year and with their Liverpudlian conqueror looking to vacate his British & Commonwealth titles in the near future – targeting redemption on the world scene in the wake of his own early knockout defeat – the winner of Friday night’s clash will be in the mix once again for national honours, as both men have remained mainstays of the heavyweight division in this country.

Price's Sky Deal Depends On Next Fight...

British heavyweight David Price has more than just the British title on the line when he meets Sam Sexton at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool on Saturday night. He also has his TV deal with SkySports at stake.

If the Liverpudlian prospect fails to provide an entertaining fight or put on an impressive performance he will likely not continue to have his fights televised on the channel. Price has three fights remaining on his present deal  with Sky and his promoter Frank Maloney is currently negotiating an extension, but he realises that his boxer has to put on a show if Sky are even to consider extending the deal.

"I am still in negotiation with them but I don't kid myself. They will probably want to see how this show goes Saturday. If David Price gets hit on the chin, I probably won't get a phone call," Maloney told the Independent.

Price is a heavy favourite going into the fight but a win is not enough. He is going to have to look good whilst doing it. His 75-second knockout of John McDermott in January was very impressive but it was not very entertaining for the fans in the crowd and watching at home.

Sam Sexton will provide a bit more of a challenge than McDermott and if he manages to turn it into his type of fight we could see a very interesting bout between two top domestic heavyweights on Saturday night.

Matt Skelton wants a 3rd fight with John McDermott

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John McDermott & Frank Maloney talk to iFilm London after victory over Matt Skelton

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Matt Skelton vs John McDermott II - Press Conference at TKO Gym

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