Last night over in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, Ovill McKenzie came so close to winning the IBF cruiserweight title.
McKenzie, thirty-five years of age, took the world title fight at just eleven days? notice but gave the IBF title holder Victor Emilio Ramirez one of the toughest fights of his life.
Ramirez hung on to his belt courtesy of a split-decision draw, although many pundits who watched the bout were of the opinion that McKenzie had done enough to take the verdict on points.
The two fighters fought toe-to-toe in what was a decent contest and McKenzie showed he had the power to hurt the champion when he caught him with a big right-hand in round two. But the challenger was unable to press home the attack to finish the job.
The middle rounds saw Ramirez edge ahead but McKenzie rallied well in the latter rounds and could, or should, have been given the verdict.
Whether Ramirez would be prepared to give McKenzie a rematch remains to be seen but the Derby fighters? performance should ensure he remains a viable candidate for another title shot down the line.
McKenzie Falls Just Short in IBF Cruiserweight Bid
