Ovill McKenzie: record, next fight and profile →
Ovill McKenzie will challenge Dmytro Kucher for the Vacant European Cruiserweight title at the home of boxing York Hall on June 10th. It’s a big return for the hard-hitting Derby based Jamaican who just missed out on claiming a world title when he pushed IBF ruler Victor Emilio Ramirez to a controversial draw in Argentina last October.
BoxingScene can confirm that Ovill McKenzie (25-12-1, 13 KOs) has been removed from Frank Warren's April 30 bill at London's O2 Arena after picking up an injury that has hampered the 36-year-old's pre-fight preparations. The news was confirmed earlier today by Warren's office.
Undefeated WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders begins his reign with the opening defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, London, exclusively live on BoxNation.
Ovill McKenzie will challenge Dmytro Kucher for the Vacant European Cruiserweight title after Queensberry Promotions today won the purse bid to stage the fight. It’s a big return for the hard-hitting Derby based Jamaican who just missed out on claiming a world title when he pushed IBF ruler Victor Emilio Ramirez to a controversial draw in Argentina last October.
Craig Kennedy (13-0, 7 KOs) will meet Tony Conquest (16-2, 5 KOs) in the New Year. The pair will do battle at the Newport Centre, live on Eurosport.
What a terrific performance by Ovill McKenzie in Buenos Aires. I thought he clearly won the IBF cruiserweight title fight with local favourite Victor Ramirez, and had him ahead at the finish by a good two rounds. When you get as draw in Argentina it means you have almost certainly nicked it. Considering Ovill had only 11 days notice this surely was one of the finest performances of the year by a Brit. We have put in a formal letter of complaint to the the IBF about the scoring (one judge gave it to McKenzie by two
Promoter Frank Warren will make a request to the International Boxing Federation to order an immediate rematch between Ovill McKenzie and the organisation’s World Cruiserweight Champion Victor Emilio Ramirez. McKenzie fought the fight of his life against Argentina’s Ramirez in his backyard at the Villa La Ñata Sporting Club, in Buenos Aires on Friday night, despite taking the fight at only 11 days’ notice.
31-year old IBF Cruiserweight titlist Victor Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KO), 200, of Wilde, Buenos Aires, Argentina, retained his title on Friday night at the Villa La Ñata Sporting Club in Benavídez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a split draw verdict against 35-year old Jamaican Ovil McKenzie (25-12-1, 13 KO), 191 ¼, of Derby, Derbyshire, UK. The referee was Benjy Esteves Jr.
A chance encounter has Victor Ramirez and Ovill McKenzie vying for the cruiserweight crown Friday evening in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ramirez was due to face World cruiserweight king Yoan Pablo Hernandez, but received an upgrade from interim to full titlist without so much as having to throw a single punch. The oft-injured Hernandez pulled out of their previously scheduled bout, abruptly announcing his retirement although his promoter Sauerland Event has since dismissed that claim. Whatever the case, Hernandez is no longer in the picture as Ramirez (22-2, 17KOs) is officially recognized as a two-time cruiserweight titlist. The 31-year old saw his previous reign cut short by Marco Huck in Aug. '09, after which he chose to hang up the gloves. As very few boxers in history have ever truly made a clean break from the sport - especially at a young age - Ramirez announced his ring return late in 2013. Seven wins have followed, with his first six coming in a span of just 10 months. It led to his return to the title picture, scoring a 12-round decision over Ola Afolabi this past April in Buenos Aires.
Ovill McKenzie is such delightful guy, which is why I will be among the many in boxing on our feet applauding if he becomes the IBF World Cruiserweight champion in tonight’s BoxNation-screened title fight against Argentina’s Victor Ramirez in Buenos Aires. Here is a real trouper of the ring, never out of training, always ready to step in at a moment’s notice – one of those bags-packed, have- gumshield-will-travel pros who are the very backbone of boxing.