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.

Audley Harrison wins comeback fight!

Harrison celebrates after stoppage victory.

Controversial British heavyweight Audley Harrison made his return to the ring on Saturday night, in his first fight since his poor performance against David Haye back in 2010. He returned in style and knocked out Ali Adams in the 4th round at the Brentwood Centre in Essex.

The 40-year old started slow and it looked as though he was going to be the usual Audley Harrison and lose to a boxer that is not even in the 'A class' of domestic fighters. But then in the 3rd round Harrison stepped up his work and started to hurt his opponent and then in the 4th he knocked down Adams with a right hand. Adams managed to rise to his feet but the referee stopped the fight after a flurry of punches from 'A-Force'.

The fourth round stoppage was a bit ironic and a bit embarrassing for Adams as during the build-up to the fight he repeatedly boasted that Audley would be "on the floor in round 4." Harrison picked up on this and tweeted saying: "Im back... Poetic justice to end it in four after he said I would be on the floor. No hard feelings though and I wish him all the best."

It is not entirely clear what is next for Audley. He is definitely not at world level but I think he could be a top contender at domestic and maybe European level. There have already been rumours with a fight with top prospect and British heavyweight champion David Price or ring veteran Matt Skelton.

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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