He’s back! Portsmouth favourite returns after lengthy lay-off with leftfield challenge
The Portsmouth favourite has faced huge challenges after being ‘blackballed’ by boxing - but now he’s out to make a mark in 2026 with an unlikely assignment.
Michael McKinson is back.
The Pompey Problem returns to the ring on May 1, after 17 months in the boxing cold.
And it’s the most leftfield of international assignments for arguably the most avoided man in British boxing, as he makes his ring comeback in Nigeria.
McKinson takes on unbeaten Algerian Mohammed Sahnoun in Lagos, as the 27-2 man looks to kickstart his career after being left out on the boxing cold.
The 31-year-old has revealed the psychological torment he’s endured, as he stayed ready for opportunities and looked to provide for his four children.
Now the man who topped the bill in America with pound-for-pound star Vergil Ortiz Jr three-and-a-half years ago, is looking to make up for lost time with a welterweight statement.
McKinson’s won six titles in his career, with all of those belts picked up as the fight’s B side. Meanwhile, all but three of his 29 fights have been without a promoter.
So the former Moneyfields and Heart of Portsmouth amateur is accustomed to doing things the hard way, as he looks to prove a point to those who overlooked him.
McKinson told The News this evening: ‘It’s brilliant to have some good news at last.
‘It’s been difficult, but I haven’t had a lay-off - I’ve been in the gym staying ready for a fight.
‘I’ve had no time away from boxing, so it’s been hard. I’ve been going training and putting the sacrifices in - with no fight at the end of it.
‘It’s been so frustrating, it’s been a brutal 15 months.
‘It’s been mentally challenging. A few years ago I was headlining on Golden Boy cards, but it hasn’t worked out for me since.
‘I’m 32 next month, so the next few years are very important to me. It’s been awful and hard to stay motivated.
‘This is my job and I’ve got four kids at home, so it’s tough.
‘But now I have something to get excited for - and stick it to everyone who’s not wanted to know over all this time.
‘It feels like I’ve been blackballed from boxing, so it’s back to like it was early in my career with a point to prove - and everyone writing me off.
‘I can’t wait to get out there. I went into my last loss after being sick, I did lose and it looked awful, so people may think I’m finished. So now I will have to shut all the haters up - and get back what I had.
‘I’ve never turned down a challenge, so I don’t care who the opponent is. The boxing world has left me out for far too long, so get me back in there and I’ll take my frustrations out on this guy.’