Former world title challenger Michael McKinson (27-2, 4 KO) has endured what he describes as the most frustrating stretch of his career over the past seven months, patiently waiting for the phone to ring.
After challenging South African Tulani Mbenge for the IBO World welterweight title in October 2024 and suffering a unanimous decision loss, the Portsmouth native is left baffled by the lack of opportunities since.
“If you go back two and a half years ago I was headlining in America on a Golden Boy card on DAZN and its been a bit of a struggle ever since really,” said the 31-year-old.
The last seven months has been the most frustrating period of my whole career. I took a loss back in October at my very worst and they just want to forget about you, leave you on the shelf and not give you opportunities.
Its a cruel game this boxing game, but I’m staying fit, I’m training as if were going to get a phone call and maybe they might not give us a lot of notice.”
‘The Problem’ suffered the first defeat of his career when he traveled to the U.S. to face Vergil Ortiz Jr., who has since extended his unbeaten record to 23 wins, including 21 stoppages.
Despite only losing to top-tier opponents, McKinson feels he hasn’t received the respect he deserves for taking on fights that many others might deem too high-risk.
“The biggest shock for me, I took my first loss in Texas, I lost but I done very well in the fight, I cut Ortiz and was winning rounds against Ortiz and I got pulled out on an injury in round nine.
I thought there would be a lot more coming after that defeat, I’ve lost two fights at the very highest level and I just think its mental that I’m not getting any opportunities.”
The welterweight division in Britain is busy at the moment, adding to the frustration of McKinson as he looks for his chance to prove he deserves another shot at world level.
“You look at all the other welterweights its stacked up domestically but I should be there being mentioned alongside all of them because I’ve done pretty well in boxing.
I’ve got an eleven week old son at home and I’m already taking myself away weeks upon end just to sacrifice and be a bit selfish because my next opportunity could be my last opportunity so I’ve got to make sure I win.”
Michael McKinson Says He Beats Any Welterweight In Britain
It’s a busy period for British welterweight boxing. Josh Taylor began his campaign at the weight with a disappointing hometown loss to Ekow Essuman on Saturday night, while Harlem Eubank and Jack Catterall are set to clash in July.
Michael McKinson, however, has no doubt he could step in with any welterweight in the UK rankings and prove why he believes he’s the best at 147 pounds.
“All four of them names I would have fought at a click of a finger, I should be along them names so why is it not happening, thats a big frustration when all those welterweights are getting these fights delivered and I’m left in the dirt,” said McKinson.
“They all know I’d beat them, any welterweight in the UK I beat and that includes Josh Taylor. I’ve sparred rounds with Taylor in the past, I’ve learnt a lot from Josh Taylor and I’d absolutely beat him.
I just want my name to be mentioned, none of them would have went to Texas to face Ortiz and I did. No one gives me respect at all, we’re at that stage in my career now where we need a bit of luck.”
