Tonight in Argentina, British Cruiserweight contender Ovill McKenzie (25-12, 13ko) will be looking to make his own personal piece of history when he walks into the metaphorical “Lion’s Den” against hometown favourite and new IBF champion Victor Emilio Ramirez (22-2, 17ko) in Buenos Aires.
Never one to shirk a challenge, the Jamaica-born Brit received just 11 days notice for the fight after inactive Cuban former champ Yoann Pablo Hernandez, was stripped for again seeking to postpone his own defence against Ramirez, resulting in the South American being upgraded to full champion and needing a late-notice opponent for tonight’s date.
The soon-to-be 36 year old “Upsetter” arrived in the country earlier this week and is under no illusions about the betting odds, although claims he is more than prepared to dig deep and give it everything, harbouring every intention of walking out of that ring as the new IBF cruiserweight champion and seizing this dream world title chance.
“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,” he said.
“I’ve been a pro for 15 years and I’ve never had it easy, some decisions have gone against me when I believe I’ve won, others I’ve lost fair and square, I’ve not moaned about it and just kept training, fighting and plugging away with the belief that one day I would get a world title shot – Well Brutha, that day is here.”
“What have I got to lose? Nothing,”the likable and down to earth McKenzie added frankly. “I’m going to give it everything I’ve got for this one big moment. No one apart from me, my team and my family is giving me a chance but I’m going to give it my best shot and make Britain and Jamaica proud.”
Ramirez last boxed in April, beating another Brit, Ola Afolabi by 12 round decision, also in his Buenos Aires backyard. McKenzie was last out in July, making short work of over overmatched Finn, Janne Forsman[TKO2], who was 19-1 going into the fight with “The Upsetter.”
Ramirez v McKenzie will be live on Boxnation in the UK from 2am.
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