HUDSON COUNTY — The Hudson County Board of Freeholders honored last week Danny (“Little Mac”) McDermott, a lifelong resident of North Bergen and a prolific amateur and professional boxer. He is currently the W.B.U. Light Welterweight Champion, a title that was previously held by the likes of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton and “Irish” Mickey Ward.
McDermott began his boxing career as an amateur at the North Bergen PAL and excelled in the New Jersey and New York Golden Gloves annual amateur boxing competitions during the years 1995 to 2004. He was also a member of the 2004 USA National Team representing New Jersey in international competition.
McDermott turned professional in 2005 under the guidance of his mentor and three-time World Champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. From 2005 to 2009, Danny McDermott built up a record of 8 – 1, including three knockouts while at the same time developing a reputation for being an all action fan favorite. Two of his fights were awarded “Fight of the Year” honors including his 2010 match against then undefeated Brian Miller in North Bergen for the W.B.F. Americas title. The years 2010 to 2012 proved to be more challenging for Danny McDermott during which time he assembled a record of 1 – 3 – 1 while fighting in some of the biggest boxing cards of his career at famed venues like Madison Square Garden twice and the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
After reviving his career in July 2014 with a victory in the first round against Jesar Ancajas, McDermott returned to in the Philippines to fight for the W.B.U. Junior Welterweight World Championship title and the W.B.C. International title against Ronnel Esparas. He won both bouts
McDermott will return to General Santos City, Philippines shortly to vie for the I.B.U. Welterweight World Championship as well as the W.B.A. International titles if successful, he will become a two-time World Champion in two different weight classes.