Krence pulls out to give McKenzie a Prizefighter opportunity - 07/05/2009

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OVILL McKenzie has been handed an opportunity to win £25,000 in the next Prizefighter competition.

McKenzie, 29, will be fighting in the Prizefighter Cruiserweights competition at the Earls Court in London on Tuesday, May 19 after Mark Krence withdrew due to injury.

A former Commonwealth Champion at light-heavyweight, McKenzie was one of the two unused reserves for the Prizefighter Light-Heavyweight competition in February.

But he has now decided to move up to the higher weight and will be confident of claiming the top prize on a frantic night of boxing on May 19.

“I was absolutely surprised and delighted to get the phone call to be in the latest Prizefighter,” said McKenzie.

“Having been a reserve for a previous Prizefighter, I know what these tournaments are all about and I’m excited to be in the main draw this time.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the other guys, they are all champions, but I won the Commonwealth title and have nothing to fear, especially over 3 rounds. I’m sure these contests are going to be short and sweet. They don’t call me the ‘Upsetter’ for nothing!”

Four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final will all take place in an action-packed three hours with each contest lasting a maximum of three rounds.

McKenzie will have a chance of gaining some revenge as he lost in his first
defence of his Commonwealth title to Dean Francis, one of the other seven men in Prizefighter Cruiserweights.

THE PRIZEFIGHTER SERIES – CRUISERWEIGHTS
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009
EARLS COURT, LONDON.

The eight competitors are…

Name: Darren Corbett.
Age: 36.
Home town: Belfast.
Professional record: W27 (16 by KO), L4, D1. Total 32.
Achievement: Former Commonwealth Champion.

Name: Terry Dunstan.
Age: 40.
Home town: Vauxhall, London.
Professional record: W20 (12 by KO), L2, D0. Total 22.
Achievement: Former European, British Champion.

Name: Dean Francis.
Age: 35.
Home town: Basingstoke.
Professional record: W30 (24 by KO), L3, D1. Total 34.
Achievement: Former European, British and Commonwealth Champion (light-heavyweight).

Name: John Keaton.
Age: 36 (37 on the day of Prizefighter).
Home town: Sheffield.
Professional record: W26 (17 by KO), L16, D0. Total 42.
Achievement: Former British Champion.

Name: Ovill McKenzie
Age: 29
Home town: Derby
Professional record: W14 (5 by KO), L9, D0 – Total fights 23
Achievement: Former Commonwealth Champion.

Name: Bruce Scott.
Age: 39.
Home town: Hackney.
Professional record: W27 (18 by KO), L9, D0. Total 36.
Achievement: Ex British, Commonwealth Champion, fought for WBC / WBO world title.

Name: Neil Simpson.
Age: 38.
Home town: Coventry.
Professional record: W26 (11 by KO), L18, D1. Total 45.
Achievement: Ex British, Commonwealth Champion (light-heavyweight).

Name: Micky Steeds.
Age: 25.
Home town: Isle of Dogs, London.
Professional record: W12 (3 by KO), L4, D0. Total 16.
Achievement: Fought for British title at heavyweight and cruiserweight.