Honing talents at home (From Dudley News)

Honing talents at home

DUDLEY'S Darren McDermott has swapped a run-down pub cellar for a purpose-built gym at the end of his garden as he prepares for a shot at the British middleweight title.

l Worthy winner: Scott Evans made it three out of three.

The Black Country Bodysnatcher' will take on reigning champion Wayne Elcock at Aston Villa Leisure Centre on Friday April 25.

Macca allowed the The News sports team to pop in and see him in training and talk about how preparations are going ahead of his career-defining encounter.

The 29-year-old gas fitter who has been making waves across the Midlands with his all-action displays will finally get the chance to showcase his skills to a national audience with the West Midlands tear-up set to be shown live on Sky Sports.

Despite not having fought since October "Macca" has been training non-stop and believes his new gym, constructed by father-in-law, will give him that little bit extra.

McDermott relinquished his Midlands Area Middleweight title after it was announced he would get a shot at the British title and was ringside last week to see Dudley schoolteacher, Max Maxwell take the title.

Maxwell, who teaches at Castle High, won the title in impressive style when he stopped Walsall's Matty Hough at Wolverhampton Civic Hall in the third round.

The new champion said: "This is my first title and it means such a lot to me.

"I am hoping that it is a stepping stone to winning something better.

"Until that happens this is my world title.

"I love it to bits and it is not going anywhere else."

The former Royal Navy man Maxwell was always well on top and had his opponent on the canvas in every round.

Commenting upon Maxwell's success his trainer and former World Champion Richie Woodall said: "Max is something of a late starter to the game but I told him that he would not lose against Hough.

"I told him that whatever happened against Hough he would gain from the experience as he has to have a long term goal.

"Obviously, I want him to go on and win more titles as he deserves to enjoy more successes.

"No one worked harder than my lad in preparation for the fight.

"This could be seen on the night as he was in great condition."

Meanwhile, Brierley Hill's Martin Gordon slipped to defeat against Tamworth's Matt Cearwright.

Gordon was outpointed 40-37 in his four-round lightweight encounter.

There was better news for Stourbridge's Scott Evans who kept his 100 per cent record intact.

The 20-year-old lightweight secured his third consecutive win with a comprehensive points victory over Kristian Laight.