Fury wins controversial decision

FightFranchise.co.uk12th September, 2009

Tyson Fury tonight won his first professional title by outpointing Big Bad John McDermott over 10 rounds to win McDermott's English title but most people and the Sky commentators thought the wrong man had his hand raised. However it was a very entertaining bout with both fighters throwing big punches throughout.

Fury now 8-0 ( 7), started fast and used his fast jab to land flush many times on Mcdermott's face. McDermott for his part certainly closed down Fury and also landed good punches. At the bell, Fury rubbed his head into McDermott's and McDermott responded by trying to headbutt Fury. In the 2nd round Fury already had his mouth open and was caught with some big punches although he still kept the jab pumping. In the 3rd, Fury's punch output lowered but again his jab caught they eye but McDermott was starting to bully Fury.

McDermott seemed to win the 4th and 5th rounds big, particularly the 4th when McDermott landed two big right hands on the trot to momentarily stun Fury. During both these rounds McDermott constantly bullied Fury to the ropes and landed bombs although Fury's chin certainly passed the test.

Fury rallied hard in the sixth and threw several big flurries although the snap seemed to have left his punches so this writer could only score it an even round as McDermott landed the better punches towards the end of the round.

When McDermott controlled the next 2 rounds ( 7th and 8th ), it looked like he was on his way to a wide points decision as Fury seemed to be completely spent towards the end of the 8th. Fury though, showed he has a big heart and really went for it again in the ninth and although McDermott was constantly attacking a big right seemed to just shake McDermott and i awarded Fury this round. Fury's corner sent him out for the knockout in the 10th and the young fighter and the veteran went at it until the final bell. Again, i just felt that Fury done the better work in the final round.

At the final bell both fighters walked towards referee Terry O'Connor, who raised Fury's hand. Fury when interviewed afterwards said he thought he done the cleaner work and that McDermott mauled all night although he admitted McDermott was better than he thought. McDermott, for his part thought he was robbed and claimed it was unfair that as he is one of the nice guys, why is he always on the wrong end of close decisions. Fury to his credit offered McDermott an immediate rematch.

McDermott's promoter Frank Maloney could be in hot water from the British Boxing Board as he claimed afterwards that the referee ( O'Connor ) was a disgrace to boxing and made references suggesting that O'Connor had less morals than the famous highwayman Dick Turpin.

This writer felt that during many rounds the Sky commentary team favoured McDermott's work too much and ignored a lot of Fury's. I actually scored the bout a 96-96 draw.

Fury showed he has loads to learn, was far too easy to hit and struggled to establish the distance but on the plus side showed a good jab if only at times, decent stamina, a good chin and he certainly doesnt lack heart. McDermott showed that although he may not be a body beautiful, he has good fitness for a heavyweight and is a match for anyone in Britain.