Latest wild chapter in life of Portsmouth favourite out to make televised mark tonight - backed by FA Cup legend
The DAZN-televised show in Lagos, Nigeria is the platform for the Pompey favourite’s return - and it’s been a bizarre few days for him in Africa.
Michael McKinson has been served up another wild chapter in his boxing career as he ends his lengthy lay-off this evening.
But the Pompey Problem is doing so in crazy conditions, as he steps back into the ring in Nigeria with his contest shrouded in uncertainty and doubt.
McKinson: ‘It’s still not crystal clear what’s going on’
McKinson boxes on DAZN later today, as he battles home fighter Afikun Segun Gbena who has taken the contest at less than a day’s notice.
That’s after scheduled opponent, Algerian Mohammed Sahnoun, pulled out of their showdown in Lagos yesterday following a row over the fight’s 150lb contracted weight.
That created the realistic prospect of extending a frustrating 18 months without a contest for the 32-year-old, following a challenging period in McKinson’s career.
It now appears the show will go on for the 27-2 man, though there is still uncertainty over what lies in wait for the former Moneyfields and Heart of Portsmouth man.
And McKinson is set to be supported by 2008 FA Cup hero, Kanu, with the Nigerian great due to be in attendance.
McKinson said: ‘It’s been a crazy time since arriving in Nigeria. It’s still not crystal clear what’s going on - but it’s been like that from the start!
‘At the press conference on Wednesday my opponent was really worked up and put his head in on me in the face to face. I saw nerves.
‘The next morning we weighed in and he came in at 146lb, which I thought was super light.
‘I was professional and bang on 150lb, which is when they kicked off and became really irate.
‘They were saying I had to lose weight, which is when we got the contract out. It was a misunderstanding by his team; they’d not studied the contract.
‘To be honest, it looked like his bottle had gone and they were looking for a way out.
‘Amir Khan Promotions said they’d find a replacement, but I didn’t hear anything until today.
‘I’m probably going to end up giving a lot of weight away, but I just need to get in there and do my job - but, wow, when I retire telling my story’s going to be mad!’
McKinson’s contest will be shown live on DAZN this evening, with the broadcast beginning at 6pm.
The welterweight is looking forward to showcasing his classy skills to an audience across the globe - and use the status to send out a message to the boxing world.
McKinson added: ‘I’ve finally got a platform to perform on again. Whatever’s gone on, I’m still grateful for that.
‘I’ve been out of the ring for a long time and turned 32 just the other week.
‘Also, the last time I was in the ring I was awful.
‘So I’m fighting to give my supporters something to shout, represent Portsmouth and show everyone there’s loads more still to come from me.
‘After this I’ll be making calls for big fights ahead - but first I have my Lagos job to do.’