McDermott wants title shot

Dudley's 'Bodysnatcher' Darren McDermott is backing Wayne Elcock to dethrone Howard Eastman tonight in the hope of setting up the biggest fight the West Midlands has seen for years.

Midlands middleweight champion McDermott will be an interested spectator when Eastman puts his British title on the line against Birmingham challenger Elcock at Coventry's Skydome.

McDermott is back in action when he fights an un-named foreign opponent for the international Masters belt at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on October 25.

But after coming through an eliminator in February, 'Macca' is vying to test himself for a national belt and would relish a Black Country versus Birmingham dust-up.

"I hope Wayne wins because it would bring a fight between him and myself closer and it would be great for the Midlands," said McDermott.

"I'd also prefer to fight Wayne because it would be a better fight, but I'll box anyone.

"If Howard wins, it won't be so good because he's not such a great ticket seller.

"I think if Howard comes in with the attitude he showed last time, then Wayne has a chance.

"I hope Wayne will beat him, but if Eastman comes over with an attitude to knock him out then he'll do just that.

"Howard is still a world class fighter. He says he's 36 and he might be older but that doesn't matter - when he trains he's still a formidable opponent.

"He's a big lad for a middleweight and the last thing you lose as you get older is your power."