No arguments this time: Tearful Fury wins in nine as McDermott unravels
An emotional Tyson Fury paid tribute to his father John Fury following his ninth round stoppage over John McDermott in their rematch for the vacant English championship and final eliminator for the British heavyweight title at the Brentwood Centre in Essex tonight.
Fury, who felled McDermott once in round eight and twice in the ninth to force an intervention from referee Dave Parris, fought back the tears in his post-fight interview:
“I just want to say to my Dad (former domestic heavyweight contender John Fury) that I love him and that I hope I’ve done him proud. He tried to win this title against a good man in Henry Akinwande (actually the British) so this title (the English that Fury claimed tonight) is for him right now.”
“I want to tell all my family that I love them. I want to thank (promoter) Mick Hennessy for believing in me,” continued Fury who promptly planted a big smacker on Hennessy’s temple. “I’ve got to get my hand done (gesturing to his right hand) because I hurt it in about round five but after that I want everybody, I want them all. I want every heavyweight in this country because I know I can do it,” said Tyson when referring to his domestic heavyweight rivals as he seemed on the verge of sobbing.
Rumours had been gathering momentum within the trade that Fury’s preparation for his crucial make-or-break rematch with McDermott, the man he controversially outpointed 98-92 last September, had been borderline chaotic. A split from new trainer Brian Hughes in favour of returning to his Uncle Hughie, combined with an absence of sparring partners and escalating differences of opinion behind closed doors suggested all was not well in the Fury camp.
“I’ve had about eight rounds of sparring for this fight from my brother Shane, he’s tried to help me but he’s 25 stone. My little cousin Phil’s about 11 stone and a Russian who was no good - that's about all I’ve had. I would like to thank (Melton Mowbray journeyman) Paul Butlin though for helping me out in sparring,” continued Fury.
Given his poor preparation, it was hardly surprising when Fury tipped the scales at a career heaviest 19st 4lbs tonight. McDermott, traditionally sporting his ‘spare tyre’ around his fleshy midsection looked in better shape at 18st 2lbs under the tutelage of new trainer Jim McDonnell.
Unlike their first encounter, where Fury allowed McDermott to dictate proceedings from the off, this time Tyson was much sharper from the opening bell and immediately snapped McDermott’s head back with a spearing jab. Despite enjoying a nine inch height and six inch reach advantage over McDermott, Fury still elected to box off the back foot but his work was much snappier this time.
McDermott, who bounded to the ring roaring defiance at the packed Brentwood crowd before the action got underway, seemed to have saved his passion for his ring walk. The Essex heavyweight was typically tentative in the biggest fight of his life and was picked off by a triple jab from Fury in round three who also landed a left hook to the body and right hand over the top during an impressive spell.
Fury, who was loose and relaxed as he brimmed with confidence, connected more frequently in round four with right hands over the top which left McDermott looking befuddled. The fifth session was quieter, Tyson looked to land to McDermott’s body but his punches looked clumsy for the first time and the Manchester man trudged back to his corner open mouthed at the end of the session.
The fight was running away from McDermott who was promptly read the riot act by fitness taskmaster Jim McDonnell during the minute’s interval. McDonnell’s words achieved the desired effect and suddenly ‘Big Bad’ John began to live up to his nickname as he tore into Fury at the start of round six. A jolting left hook inside got Fury’s intention and a right hand which connected high on the Manchester gypsy’s temple soon afterwards had Fury clinging on which resulted in a warning from referee Parris.
Desperately gulping for air and appearing heavy-legged, Fury’s concerns intensified after he sustained a cut to his right eye following a clash of heads which left him anxiously glancing towards his corner.
After struggling to settle into any kind of rhythm this far, suddenly McDermott was in the ascendency as Fury looked spent. Another left hook sent Fury off-balance into the ropes and when the faltering giant attempted to tie the rampaging McDermott up inside referee Parris’s patience snapped as he deduced a point from Fury in round seven. With Fury seemingly there for the taking, the stage was set for McDermott to seize the initiative and pile on the pressure.
However, not for the first time in his frustrating career, McDermott failed to grasp the opportunity of a lifetime during the lifetime of the opportunity. Suddenly looking fatigued from his exertions in the previous two rounds, McDermott unexpectedly unravelled when a short burst of hooks inside sent him to the canvas on all fours midway through round eight. McDermott rose gingerly at six but was inexplicably unravelling behind the gasping Fury’s eyes.
Though John made it to the bell he had nothing left. He mounted one last effort in round nine but when the pair landed simultaneous right hands in the centre of the ring it was McDermott who sought the refuge of the canvas as Fury showed a greater willingness to weather the storm. A forlorn McDermott hauled himself upright but was dropped soon afterwards by a well-picked right hand from Fury. John climbed shakily to his feet and was subsequently rescued by Parris, sparking emotional scenes from the Fury corner.
The 21-year-old Fury, who advances to 11-0, showed genuine gimpses of talent in recording the most satisfying victory of his once-considered hugely promising career. However, unless the gentle giant can sort out the issues that continue to blight his preparations behind the scenes, better fighters than McDermott will take advantage of his unprofessionalism, lack of fitness and tactical naivety sooner rather than later.
