Ovill McKenzie: Cruiserweight is where I feel comfortable

Derby’s Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Ovill ‘The Upsetter’ McKenzie says he’ll be the strongest he’s ever been when he faces British title holder Jon-Lewis Dickinson at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on June 7.

The Jamaican-born fighter has campaigned mostly at light-heavyweight but after picking up the Commonwealth cruiserweight strap in his last fight, McKenzie believes the 14st 4lbs division will herald a new dawn and fight fans will see a blistering performance.

“Cruiserweight is where I feel comfortable. I feel myself getting stronger and fitter, and I’m not having problems losing or gaining weight. I’m hitting harder; every time I go to the gym I feel like I’m gaining power.”

After winning the British crown in 2012, Dickinson secured the Lonsdale Belt outright in March when he stopped another renowned puncher, Neil Dawson, in 10 rounds. Although respectful of the North East man, McKenzie sees nothing outstanding and is confident of coming out on top in their ‘winner takes all’ encounter.

“He’s a highly-rated boxer. We’re all in the same business and I respect him. For me, it’s 50-50 between us. I’ve never met him but I respect him because we’re professionals doing a job.

“I’ve seen a bit of him on YouTube. He’s a boxer that uses his jab. There’s not really anything fancy. He’s a normal boxer. Nothing stylish about him, he’s a straightforward boxer.

“With my experience, and feeling stronger in myself, I know if I catch him once it will be game over. I know in my heart if I catch him, it’s game over. It will be a great fight, all my fights are, it will be a fantastic fight. We’re coming to win; we’re coming to steal the show.”

Saturday’s Metro Arena card will be televised live by subscription channel BoxNation

Original: Submitted by BoxRec News on Tue, 03/06/2014 – 11:35