Commonwealth champion Ovill McKenzie has promised to end Enzo Maccarinelli’s career in Cardiff next month.

The two light-heavyweights meet again on Nathan Cleverly’s world title undercard on August 17 after their contest in Liverpool last November was controversially halted by referee Ian John-Lewis.

Former world king Maccarinelli – who said before the fight his game-plan was to soak up McKenzie’s early flurries – came under pressure from the champion in the second round but appeared in no distress, only for John-Lewis to end the bout to the bewilderment of both boxers and a disappointed crowd.

But McKenzie has declared there will be no debate this time when he travels from his Derby home to the Motorpoint Arena and lives up to his ‘Upsetter’ nickname.

“Coming down to Cardiff is not a problem for me,” said McKenzie, who has recovered from the ankle and knee problems which forced the postponement of the keenly-awaited re-match in April.

“I’m always a fighter who goes to places to do the business. I’m never the home fighter, I’m the man who comes to lose but turns it all around.

“That’s why I’m the ‘Upsetter’ and I’m coming down to steal Enzo’s show.

“Enzo is a nice guy – I’ve been to Swansea to spar with him in the past and his family looked after me well – so it’s just a shame that I’m the one who’s going to end his career.

“I don’t want to be the one to do that but, as I say, I’m the ‘Upsetter’ so maybe I’m meant to do it.

”He’s had his time, he’s been there and done it – but it comes down who wants it more and I’m a hungry guy.”

McKenzie, past his 33rd birthday and nine months older than Maccarinelli, felt the premature stoppage to their first meeting had no bearing on the actual result.

”The referee shouldn’t have stopped the fight when he did,” he said.

“Enzo was all right, he wasn’t hurt – but I know in my heart he was going to go down in the next 20 seconds.

“The referee should have allowed me more time to do what I’d come to do. But they were looking out for him and the referee didn’t want to see him get hurt.

“He spoiled my fun because this fight wouldn’t have been happening now, I’d be meeting someone else, but I want to give Enzo his chance.

“I said on the night Enzo deserved his re-match and I’ve given him that.”

Maccarinelli’s Liverpool defeat rounded off a dreadful 2012 for the popular Swansea fighter which brought the death of his beloved father Mario, his son Romeo being diagnosed with autism and a six-month ban from boxing after he tested positive for an illegal substance found in a legal supplement bought over the counter.

But the ex-WBO cruiserweight champion bounced back in April with a Wembley tick-over win over Sheffield journeyman Carl Wild and says things are finally looking up.

Fresh from “positive” sparring sessions in Germany with Robin Krasniqi – Cleverly’s last victim three months ago – the 32-year-old is in a far happier place and predicts McKenzie will be facing a different opponent this time.

“I’m slowly coming to terms with the loss of my dad and my boy’s progressing,” said Maccarinelli.

“He’s saying words and just coming home and him running to the door and shouting ‘daddy’ is unbelievable for me.

“I never thought my boy would speak – but now he’s getting a bit chopsy! He even reminds of my dad which is good.

“As for the last fight the referee made a mistake because I don’t think he (McKenzie) had another 20 seconds of punching left in him.

“The thing is next time I’m fighting the same person, he’s fighting a totally different version.

“I had a plan on the night which didn’t work but I’m a come-forward banger and that’s what I’m going to do this time.

“I was a little bit deflated when the re-match didn’t happen a few months ago but I’m right up for this one now.”