Derby’s Ovill McKenzie will be looking to live up to his “The Upsetter” moniker when he boxes for the IBF Cruiserweight championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday, 2nd October.
McKenzie, 31, has been installed as a replacement for former IBF champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez, who was stripped of the title due to injury, with the belt and full champion status being awarded to McKenzie’s adversary on the night, Argentinean, Victor Ramirez.
McKenzie has previous championship pedigree, albeit at a lower weight and level, winning the Commonwealth Light Heavyweight crown on two occasions, as well as being the current British Cruiserweight champion.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity that has been put in front of me and one that I won’t get again so I will give it everything I’ve got,” stated McKenzie, speaking to Boxing News recently.
“I’ve been in this sport a long time and I’ve seen the ups and downs. Ramirez is a good fighter, he’s done the business abroad himself and that deserves respect. He’s defending his title at home so I know what I have to do to win out there and that’s to knock him out.”