STANFORD-LE-HOPE based boxer John McDermott insists he cannot wait to face Matt Skelton for the British heavyweight belt at London's ExCel Arena next month.

The 28-year-old will take on the undefeated champion after a contractual dispute forced Scott Gammer to pull out.

And, despite being a huge underdog for the bout, McDermott is already excited at the prospect of fighting Skelton on Saturday December 10 in front of a capacity 15, 000 crowd - who will also see Audley Harrison come head to head with Danny Williams.

"The way I'm looking at it I have everything to gain and nothing to lose," said McDermott.

"I will give it absolutely everything I've got in the ring and this is a bit of a dream come true for me really.

"It's a big step up but I'm excited. I know I can box and I'm ambitious too so it's great to have been given this chance.