Ovill McKenzie has started boxing like Terence Crawford after having a defibrillator put in his chest.
During his astonishing career, ‘The Upsetter’ picked up the British title and won the Prizefighter tournament.
McKenzie even dropped Artur Beterbiev during an epic sparring session. However, his greatest performance came when he flew to Argentina, and dominated Victor Emilio Ramirez in an IBF world title fight, in which he, extremely controversially, only received a draw.
Following this match-up, the talented athlete discovered he had a heart problem and had to retire from professional boxing. But, in a testament to his formidable mindset, the situation hasn’t stopped him from continuing to thrive in the gym.
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Ovill McKenzie boxes like Terence Crawford because of his defibrillator
Rather than giving up on the sport he loves, Ovill McKenzie has instead chosen to adapt.
Emulating pound-for-pound superstar, Terence Crawford, who effortlessly switches from orthodox to southpaw, the British-Jamaican has developed a style where he can protect his defibrillator.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Knockout, the sportsman explained: “My defibrillator is on the left-hand side, and I’m orthodox. I move around with loads of the guys in the gym, because I love it; it’s my game.
“Now, I’ve had to change my stance, to try and protect this side. I’ve turned and started using my southpaw style, and honestly, I think I’m better at southpaw.
“Anybody can do it; with practice, it can become perfect. I never knew I would’ve been so good at southpaw, but because of my heart problem, I have to switch it up and do different stuff and adapt. It’s working for me at the moment.”
McKenzie has gone on an incredible journey. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the warrior sold juice in the market, before falling in love with boxing and moving to the UK, where he proved on more than one occasion that anything is possible.
Now, he’s reveling in the opportunity to give back to the next generation at the Commonwealth Boxing Academy in Derby.
The 45-year-old enthused: “I’ve been at this gym for nine years. It’s going good so far. I’ve changed a lot of young kids’ lives, who move on and become amateurs. When some of them have potential, I pass them on to the next gym.
“I even work with the police in Derby, getting some of the kids off the road. I train them on a Monday. It keeps me active and fit. As long as I’m in the game [I’m happy].”
Ovill McKenzie reveals what went through his head when he dropped Tony Bellew
In his esteemed career, McKenzie proved himself as a truly ferocious puncher, with Tony Bellew feeling the full wrath of his power.
On December 11, 2010, the underdog travelled into enemy territory at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, UK, to go head-to-head with his arch-nemesis. And it didn’t take long for the contest to explode into life.
In the first round, the away fighter sent the Scouser tumbling toward the canvas, before doing the exact same thing in the second segment, with a dynamite right hand.
Now, McKenzie has revealed what he thought when Bellew rose to his feet.