McDermott warning for champ Elcock

Darren McDermott has vowed to show champion Wayne Elcock why he is the country's best-kept secret in tonight's British middleweight title fight at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

The 'Black Country Bodysnatcher' aims for glory in the West Midlands' biggest fight for 25 years against Brummie Elcock in the sell-out Sky televised show.

McDermott has vowed to bring the crown back to Dudley to reward his hundreds of fans.

Critics say 'Macca', who digs roads for a living, doesn't have a knockout punch, but he has stopped nine of his 15 opponents by grinding them into the floor.

He said: "I'm Britain's best-kept secret and I will show Wayne why.

"Wayne is a good fighter and a good champion but he is in for a busy night.

"He says he's had videos of me, but I have never been on telly before, so the only way he could have seen me fight is from someone's home-made video or DVD."

McDermott admitted: "I've got butterflies and nerves but everyone feels like that.

"I know I'm ready – I've never felt this good. There are that many people that have helped me for this fight that I've got no excuses not to win.

"I'm 120 per cent focused on the fight and ready to go."

McDermott has never fought 12 rounds but going the distance if he has to won't faze the challenger.

He said: "I must have sparred 200-250 rounds since the fight was first announced – I've done so much sparring over that distance.

"I have got to the end of 12 rounds and I haven't even been breathing hard."

The 29-year-old is so convinced he will win, he is already aiming for bigger fights.

"This will set me up – I want bigger and better fights. Anyone who thinks there's a lot of money at this level is talking rubbish.

"Getting a Lonsdale Belt (four defences of which one has to be mandatory) is more important to me.

"The big money is only there for world titles and that's where I would love to be."

A packed card sees a massive 12 fights at the Civic, which has led to an early start of 6pm. Doors open 5.30pm.