- Heavyweight
McDermott beats Skelton by unanimous decision
John McDermott beat Matt Skelton on points to win the vacant English heavyweight title at York Hall on Friday.
The 33-year-old from Basildon emerged victorious after ten rounds following a unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the fight 97-93, 97-94 and 97-94 in his favour.
Victory earns McDermott revenge for the defeat Skelton inflicted on him back in 2005.
Skelton has now lost his last two bouts having been knocked out by David Price in November, and never looked like winning the fight on Friday as McDermott landed the cleaner punches.
The last time McDermott was in the ring - over a year ago - he defeated Pavels Dolgovs, and he has now become the English heavyweight champion for a second time.
The future could hold a rematch against Price - whom he lost to in January last year after being knocked out in the opening round.