THE impressive recent form of Ovill McKenzie has rendered his moniker of “The Upsetter” almost redundant and led some fans to suggest the London-based Jamaican merits a world title shot for his long service to boxing.
That appears unlikely, but a European tilt for the man currently rated 11th by the EBU is not beyond the realms of possibility. To keep those hopes alive McKenzie must retain his belts against Blackpool’s Matty Askin this Friday (March 27) at York Hall in Bethnal Green.
The muscular puncher with underrated skills, 23-12 (12), could likely still make light-heavyweight but finds himself the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight champion courtesy of consecutive crushing wins over Tony Conquest (ko 5) and Jon-Lewis Dickinson (rsf 2).
Askin, 17-2 (10), is nine years the younger man at 26 and on a winning run of three, in relatively good company, since an 11th-round knockout reverse to undefeated Krzysztof Glowacki in Poland in 2012. The English title-holder has not fought in almost a year, since a nine-round stoppage triumph over Menay Edwards left his victim hospitalised after collapsing in his corner following the bout’s conclusion. Edwards has not fought since. So Askin’s mental state and level of rust could both be factors.
The challenger is a career cruiser, so will be the bigger man on the night, and a sound technical boxer with a decent dig. McKenzie is rugged, more aggressive, less predictable and in confident mood right now. He can take Askin out in the later stages.
| Fight Winner | 1 | X | 2 | |
| 27 March 2015 | ||||
| 19:00 (GMT) | Matty Askin – Ovill McKenzie | 6/5 | 25/1 | 4/6 |
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