Ovill McKenzie insists he will not be rattled by the hostile Argentinian crowd he will face IBF world cruiserweight champion Victor Ramirez in front of later tonight [October 2].
The 35-year-old accepted the fight on 11 days notice after Yoan Pablo Hernandez, the original belt holder, could not overcome injury and so Ramirez was elevated to champion.
At the weigh in yesterday, McKenzie scaled 191.2lbs and Ramirez 199.9lbs and the Derby-based Jamaican is ready to do battle.
“I’m just counting down the hours and ready to get in the ring tonight and cause a massive upset,” he said.
“What have I got to lose? Nothing. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got for this one big moment. No one apart from me, my team or my family and friends are giving me a chance. But I’m going to give it my best shot and make Britain and Jamaica proud.
“I’m not worried by the crowd here, I’ve been to more hostile places than this, at the end of the day it’s just me and Ramirez in the ring. He’s a good fighter, but he’s never faced a fighter like me who’s so hungry and determined to win the title at all costs.
“I know I’ve got to go out there and take the fight to him, I can’t let it go the judges and score cards so I’ve got to show them that I’m the boss in there.”
