DUDLEY'S Darren McDermott believes he has now served his boxing apprenticeship as he waits anxiously to discover whether he has been made mandatory contender for the British middleweight title.

Macca' stopped Kia Kauramanki in the fourth round last Thursday, after it was decided the Finnish veteran could not continue due to a bad cut above his left eye.

McDermott - dubbed the Black Country Boysnatcher - was in control of the contest at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, apart from one shaky moment in the third round.

Overall though the unbeaten boxerwas pleased with his night's work and believes hes now ready for the step up to the big league.

He said: "It was another good win and another step in the right direction.

"I felt pretty confident out there although at times I was maybe a little bit to eager to get on with things but these mistakes can easily be put right once I get back into the gym.

The 29-year-old gas fitter is now anxiously sitting by his phone as he waits to discover whether he's been named mandatory challenger for the British Middleweight title currently held by Birmingham's Wayne Elcock.

He added: "I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the British Board of Control name me the mandatory contender.

"If I don't get named I will have to look at my options because I feel like I've done my apprenticeship and I now want to step it up.

McDermott's manager, Dean Powell, is championing his protégé's claims for a title shot and is confident all the hard work will pay off.

Powell said: "He should be the mandatory challenger soon and he will not be boxing any more eliminators.

"There is more pressure on him than ever and he cannot afford to make any mistakes.

"He boxed well against Kai Kauramanki.

"He did get caught by a silly punch but to his credit he regrouped.

"He is stronger at the weight than he has ever been.

"I would expect Darren to fight again in February and then just sit tight and wait for the title fight.

"I would like him to have one more outing before he fights for the title again against a foreigner.

"He has been very patient and done what he has been told.

He has had a great boxing education since the age of nine."

Elcock is fighting Arthur Abraham for the German's IBF world title in Basel on December 8 and that will ensure it could be the Spring before he is ready to meet McDermott.

"I would think that will push the mandatory title defence back a little further, said Powell.

"If Darren was in that position I would expect the board to give him some dispensation."

Elsewhere on the bill there were impressive wins for Brierley Hill's light heavyweight hope Richard Collins.

Collins who along with McDermott is advised by well known Black Country boxing figure Ronnie Brown stopped Dave Pearson in the third round of their contest.

There was also a promising win for Stourbridge debutant Scott Evans.

The 19-year-old defeated Amir Nadir 40-36 on points and promoter PJ Rowson is hoping to have him back in the ring on November 30 with a venue still to be confirmed.

On the same bill it is hoped heavyweight Neil Perkins who made his name as an amateur at Priory Boxing Club will make his much-anticipated debut.