NORTH BERGEN, NJ (March 12, 2012) – Danny “Little Mac” McDermott looks to make his first appearance at Madison Square Garden in seven years one to remember when he faces Carl McNickles this Saturday, March 17 in a junior welterweight contest scheduled for eight rounds.

The 2 Dannys ready for Victory…..Danny and Boxing Photographer Maria Renee

McDermott-McNickles will be one of the undercard bouts supporting the world middleweight championship clash between champion Sergio Martinez and Matthew Macklin, which will be aired live on HBO.

For the Irish-American McDermott, 9-3 (4 KO), of North Bergen, N.J., the chance to compete at the Mecca of Boxing on St. Patrick’s Day is a particularly special honor. McDermott has fond memories of the Garden, having fought his second pro bout there in 2005, winning a unanimous decision over Alex Matos on the undercard of Miguel Cotto-Muhammad Abdullaev, which also was televised by HBO.

“I remember it was an amazing feeling walking out of the tunnel and seeing the crowd, knowing that my first boxing memory was being out in that crowd when I was a kid watching Arturo Gatti win his first world title and later that same evening watching Oscar De la Hoya,” said McDermott. “It was an amazing feeling because I felt like I was living my dream.”

McDermott, who now trains with Tommy Gallagher out of Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, has been sharper since moving up to the more comfortable 140 pound division. To prepare for the 27-year-old McNickles (7-3, 6 KO) of Chicago, Ill., McDermott has sparred with gym mate Gabriel Bracero, who handed McNickles his last defeat in 2009.

“I feel like the rust has been coming off dramatically,” said McDermott. “I haven’t been in the gym this consistantly since I was a teenager. Working with Tommy has been great. My confidence is a lot stronger. I know what I’m made of so I know I’ll never break in that ring.”

Tickets priced at $505, $350, $125 and $65 can be purchased at Jack Demsey’s Restaurant located 36 West 33rd Street in New York City, or by calling Rich Komissar at 908-240-2097.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and will be televised live on HBO beginning 10PM ET/7PM PT.