Twelve months ago Dudley Middleweight Darren "The Black Country Bodysnatcher" McDermott challenged for the British title in a midlands derby against the then champion Wayne Elcock losing on a nasty cut from a head clash in the second. This Saturday in Watford McDermott fights again for a major title, this time the Commonwealth strap, against "Dazzling" Darren Barker live on ITV4.Since the defeat to Elcock (and subsequent loss of his undefeated record) McDermott has gotten back on track with an impressive English title win beating Coventry's Steve Bendall at the Birmingham N.I.A in February. He has also less impressively beat Jamie Ambler over six rounds in a keep busy fight only a month ago at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
Many pundits, fans and boxers alike don't give McDermott much of a chance, feeling the slicker Barker will out skill and outbox the Dudley man. However I believe if McDermott can make a fight out of it, making it a gritty affair whilst also landing some big shots testing Barker's chin he could force a stoppage, the odds are against him though.
