Another rivalry would excite professional boxing scene

Wed, Mar 7th 2012, 09:40 AM

There is nothing better than a good rivalry to excite boxing fans.
Last year at a boxing show staged at the Nassau Stadium, Ryan "Big Youth" McKenzie tossed a bold challenge right at former Commonwealth super middleweight champion Jermain Mackey. Not content with the loud shouting match, separated by seats and rows, McKenzie went over to where Mackey was seated and confidently predicted he would be the knockout winner if the match could be made.
Mackey did not back down. They did not come to blows but it was evident that a fire was ignited. Spectators, with great interest, watched and listened to the two pugilists. In general there is a great deal of curiosity to see a Mackey/McKenzie bout. It was clear on that occasion to observers that the incident had left the two boxers unsettled, as indicated previously in this space. More than likely, they will clash in the ring. If they don't, both will no doubt wonder for the rest of their lives about a possible outcome.
Boxing rivalries have sparked interest throughout the history of the sport in this country. Old boxing fans still talk about Battling Douglas' bouts with Stoney Godet and Iron Baby. Then there is Leonard "Boston Blackie" Miller. He had memorable matches with Bert Perry and Baby Boy Rolle. Ray Minus Sr. and Cassius Moss packed the Nassau Stadium a couple of times.
Now, McKenzie and Mackey are poised to add their names to the list. A bout between the two would be a classic, and no doubt leave spectators with a thirst for more. McKenzie, the current light heavyweight champion of The Bahamas, would go up against Mackey, a comfortable super middleweight. The super middleweight maximum pounds limit is 168 and it's 175 for the light heavyweight class. McKenzie said repeatedly during the aforementioned
verbal altercation that he would come down in weight for Mackey.
With a bit of a height advantage and punching power, McKenzie would present a real challenge for Mackey who has not fought since 2009. However, the former Caribbean and Commonwealth king has proven his toughness in the ring.
He was a courageous and difficult opponent on his way to the Commonwealth crown. He routinely wore down opponents. This is where he will be dangerous for McKenzie who in early bouts displayed a tendency to fade. He has gained a world of confidence though over the last two years.
This would be one of those dream matches for a promoter. Once sufficiently advertised, Mackey and McKenzie would draw a big crowd. Mackey is working closely on his return to the ring with former boxer turned promoter Elkeaner Saunders.
McKenzie, on the other hand, has a close relationship with Meacher Major who now fights out of the Major Boxing and Entertainment Promotions camp. The two groups could join forces for this potential blockbuster show. I believe that once it is promoted properly, the show would be enormously successful.
At this point, despite Mackey's experience, I would give the 9-0 McKenzie a slight edge. Mackey had started to look a bit worn out prior to his two successive knockout defeats at the hands of Canadian Adonis Stevenson and Kirt Sinnette of Trinidad & Tobago, respectively in 2009. He looks quite fresh these days and alert, but the jury is still out on him. If the promoters can get together for the bout, Mackey would need to be in top condition.
McKenzie longs for the kind of recognition Mackey once had... and more. A McKenzie/Mackey match could be one for the ages.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com)

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads