Derby’s Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Ovill McKenzie says he will be the strongest he’s ever been when he faces British ruler Jon-Lewis Dickinson at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on June 7.
Known for his big-punching, the Jamaican-born fighter has campaigned mostly at light-heavyweight where he has beaten the likes of former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli, and had Tony Bellew in dire straits in a memorable 2010 scrap.
Now, after picking up the Commonwealth strap in his last fight, Ovill believes the 14st 4lbs division will herald a new dawn and fight-fans will see a blistering performance when he clashes with Dickinson on the undercard of Stuart Hall’s IBF world bantamweight title defence against Paul Butler.
“Cruiserweight is where I feel comfortable,” explained Ovill, who has KO’d 11 opponents in 22 wins. “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 landed 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.”
Stuart Hall defends his IBF world bantamweight title against Paul Butler at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on June 7. Also appearing will be Birtley’s British cruiserweight champion Jon-Lewis Dickinson taking on Commonwealth ruler Ovill McKenzie; Guisborough’s Josh Leather; Sedgefield’s Bradley Saunders; County Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward; Doncaster’s Dave Allen and Jason Cunningham; Sunderland’s Jordan King; Wales’ Rhys Evans; Northumberland’s Lewis Scott. Young Fury, brother of Tyson, will make his debut.
Tickets priced at £40, £60, £75, £150 and VIP £200 are available via Box Office 0844 493 6666 (VIP Packages 0114 243 4443) or from dennishobson.com
