New English champ John McDermott would love another shot at David Price (From Echo)

New English champ John McDermott would love another shot at David Price

4:55pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Sport By James Colasanti

“BIG BAD” John McDermott says he’d love another crack at David Price after he became English heavyweight champion for the second-time with a 10-round decision win over former world-title challenger Matt Skelton at York Hall.

The 30-year-old from Corringham, who suffered a first-round knock-out defeat to “Bedford Bear” Skelton eight years ago, came through a bruising encounter in Bethnal Green.

McDermott weighed in the heavier at 18st 4lb against Skelton (17st 1lb), and judges at ringside in Bethnal Green carded scores of 97-93 and 97-94 twice to hand McDermott victory.

He now hopes it could set-up the chance for him to avenge the defeat he suffered at the hands of Liverpudlian giant David Price in January 2012.

McDermott, who trains under Joe Taylor in Brentwood, said: “I knew it would be a tough fight against Matt because he’s such a tough guy. “It was two big men firing off shots.

“We were both there to win, and whoever lost knew that would probably be the end for them.

“I have not heard that the David Price rematch is on the cards.

“But if the opportunity came up I’d love to do that because I think it would make a good fight.

“But at the moment I’m just happy with this win over Matt. It came out of the blue for me. It was a great fight to take part in and a great one to win. I feel like I’ve turned my career around now and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

Basildon-born McDermott is now a two-time English belt holder, having contested the title on no less than six occasions stretching back to 2004. The win puts him back in the frame for another shot at the British title, which, according to promoter Frank Maloney, Price will vacate later in the year. Price is yet to announce his return to the ring following a shock two-round defeat to American veteran Tony Thompson in February.

Warren has said he’s hoping to set-up a fight between former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Dereck Chisora and Price in the summer.