Board make Fury-McDermott rematch final eliminator for British title

The British Boxing Board of Control have made Tyson Fury’s proposed rematch with John McDermott a final eliminator for the British heavyweight title. Purse bids must be submitted to the Board’s head office by Tuesday 9 February. The vacant English heavyweight championship will also be on the line.

Reigning British heavyweight champion Danny Williams will defend his crown against the brash Derek Chisora on February 13 in Wembley.

Fury was awarded a highly contentious 98-92 points victory over McDermott by referee Terry O’Connor to claim the English title in September. The Board subsequently ordered an immediate rematch but Fury was forced to relinquish his title through injury. With the Manchester fighter now back in training this eagerly awaited rematch, which must take place by the end of April, could be back on.

In other British title news, due to the Board not receiving contracts nor advice of a date and venue, the British welterweight championship status between holder Kell Brook and Michael Jennings has been withdrawn. 

Instead, the Board has decided to put out purse bids for Brook to defend against Commonwealth champion John O’Donnell.

Purse bids have also been called for the vacant British super-featherweight title between Gary Sykes and Ricky Burns.

In both instances, interested parties have until 9th February to submit purse bids

with the contests having to take place before the end of April.