John McDermott inducted into Scottish Boxing Hall of Fame.

Oct 21 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

Blantyre Miners’ Welfare ABC guru John McDermott is presented with a crystal salver to mark his induction into the Scottish Boxing Hall of Fame.

JOHN McDermott was given a pleasant surprise on Tuesday when he turned up at Blantyre Miners’ Welfare Amateur Boxing Club.

The club’s coaches, Tommy Slaven, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Campbell and Terry McCrory handed John (72) with a crystal salver to mark his induction to the Scottish Boxing Hall of Fame on October 9.

Assistant head coach Tommy (44) said: “I’ve known John since I was five and he’s a humble wee man – he was very flattered and really made up. He was a bit emotional on the night and gave a wee speech, and even in that he said thanks to us – that’s the kind of guy he is.

“John’s a bit of a legend and has certainly made his mark on Blantyre.”

John said: “It was a surprise. The salver is beautiful.

“I’m the third boxer from this area to be inducted, alongside Walter McGowan and John McCluskey, and John presented me with the gold ring on the evening, which was a nice touch.”