DUDLEY’S Darren McDermott says his hunger has well and truly returned as he prepares to defend his English middleweight crown this Friday.

The Black Country Bodysnatcher takes on Bristol’s Danny Butler at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent, knowing victory could put him back in contention for the British title.

Macca says the memories of disappointing defeats to Wayne Elcock and Darren Barker are now firmly in the past and insists he has never been in better shape.

He said: “I feel great, it’s like I have had a new release.

“The last couple of fights I have just felt deflated but this time the training has gone great.

“I can’t wait for it, I’ve got the hunger back.

“At the minute I just want to get it out of the way, I’m that anxious.”

The 31-year-old gas fitter has not fought since suffering a fourth round stoppage by Barker in May, when challenging for the Commonwealth title in a fight which also doubled as an eliminator for the British title.

Barker will take on Elcock for the Lonsdale belt later this month and McDermott is aware victory on Friday could set up a re-match with either of his old foes.

But he has vowed to take nothing for granted against Western Area champion Butler, who has a record of 16 wins and one defeat in his pro career.

Macca said: “He was in Prizefighter and he has had a few good wins, I respect any fighter. You have to in boxing.

“But I don’t think he has fought the quality of fighter I have.

“He is not as far up the ladder as me and I’m determined not to let him take my spot or my English crown.

“I feel prepared and I’m not worrying about the past, I’m as determined as ever to make sure I become British champion.”

The fight was originally scheduled for September but was put back after the Dudley fighter damaged ligaments in his shoulder.

McDermott is certainly guaranteed vocal support in Stoke and revealed he is taking two coach-loads of supporters to the bout, promoted by Ricky Hatton.

It promises to be something of a Black Country invasion with Stourbridge’s Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Rob Norton also on the bill.

Macca added: “I’m sure my fans will be great as usual, we could have taken more but I couldn’t get as many tickets as I wanted.

“It doesn’t matter because Black Country boys make noise wherever they go, I know they’ll be there banging the drum.

“It should be quite an atmosphere.”

RIGHT: Darren McDermott with the English middleweight belt he will defend on Friday.