Fury The New English Champ, Fury Over The Decision

Seconds Out Wayne Bartlett12th September, 2009

In what was an engaging ten round domestic battle, soured only by a controversial verdict, Tyson Fury became the new English heavyweight champion this Friday night with a points win over John McDermott.

Fury - still just 21 years old and in only his eighth fight - was taken to places he hadn't been inside a professional ring before tonight, yet despite questions over his punch resistance, stamina and heart may have been answered, more queries will be abound as to the fight's decision.

Appearing to nigh on everyone at ringside McDermott's pressure, work rate and cleaner punching had been more than enough to retain his English title, referee Terry O'Connor's lifting of Tyson Fury's arm as the winner at the end was puzzling.

O'Connor's scorecard of 98-92 in favour of Fury, even more bewildering.

The build up to tonight's fight was dominated by a war of words between the two camps. McDermott's promoter Frank Maloney calling Tyson Fury 'Rent a Quote' after the Mancunian traveller had labelled him as 'A Mouth in a Union Jack suit' - referring to his time with Lennox Lewis - along with calling McDermott a 'McMuffin'.

The verbal exchanges resulting in a bubbling atmosphere come the opening bell, 29 year old McDermott (also a traveller) proved prophetic as he pushed the fight from first bell to last, constantly backing up his towering 6ft 9 tall adversary as was his promise.

Fury attempted to keep the distance to pop out his frighteningly long jab but was forced to work at a pace alien to him throughout amassing his 7-0(7) record.

A right hand lead the weapon of choice throughout the night for 'Big Bad' John, now 25-6(16), and it working very effectively. At times the Essex man was even out jabbing his foe despite a height deficit of 6ins.

Fury never shying from the pressure forced on him as he maintained quick bursts and solid jabs, it appeared to all though - bar the referee/sole scorer of the fight - that McDermott's higher volume of cleaner punches and sheer pressure for the fight's entirety, would ensure him leaving the Brentwood Leisure Centre as still the English heavyweight champion.

Alas, as in his previous two fight's, both wafer thin points losses to British champion Danny Williams, tonight would again be heartbreak for the likeable McDermott.

After the final bell the Essex fighter's promoter was scathing in his assessment of the referee. "That was a bigger robbery than the Holyfield - Lewis draw. I'm sure I will be called up before the Board for my behaviour but Terry O'Connor is a disgrace to British boxing for what he's done here tonight" said a furious Frank Maloney.

"Going into the last round my corner told me 'John, you're in front, your at least four rounds in front'. I thought the last round was level. I thought I nicked it. I'm a nice genuine guy, what have I got to do to win here? I'll have a rematch." said a visibly dejected McDermott.

At least the calls for a return from the unsuccessful camp appeared to be more than welcome from the ever self assured Fury in the post fight interview.

"I'll fight him next no problem. If John McDermott wants it on again let's get it on again. I'll stop him next time".

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