British boxer Michael McKinson wants to “make a statement” when he steps into the ring to fight Roberto Arriaza on Saturday.
He’s looking to bounce back from suffering his first professional loss and missing out on the WBO welterweight title to American Vergil Ortiz in Texas earlier this year.
“I didn’t need to fight again in 2022 but I didn’t want to end my greatest year in boxing with a stoppage loss,” the 28-year-old told BBC Radio Solent.
“I want to put things right and end the year with a win in a dangerous fight.”
McKinson, of Portsmouth, has 22 wins to his name and his last eight wins have been by unanimous decision.
His career received a huge boost when he beat Przemyslaw Runowski and Chris Kongo in 2021 during a stint where he made a habit of knocking opponents to the canvas in the first round.
“They don’t make them like McKinson anymore,” he added.
“I had an easy fight option for this card, almost certain victory, but I said ‘no, give me a dangerous opponent’ and I got one.
“Will I get respect for that? Probably not.”
McKinson ‘likes’ the extra pressure
The southpaw feels he hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves throughout his eight-year career.
He says he feels the love when he fights in America but he has to earn it quietly at home.
“I’m the best welterweight in the UK, but nobody talks about Michael McKinson,” he added.
“When I’m in the United States they respect me, then I come back here and who knows?
“Whoever they put in front of me, I will continue to beat them and look good.
“This weekend is about getting the win and making a statement – it’s extra pressure but I love it.”
“Don’t be surprised if there is a knockout”
McKinson, nicknamed The Problem, has had more fights overseas than in the UK in the past 18 months.
Saturday’s opponent, Arriaza, is older and taller than him but he has lost four of his last six fights, three of them by knockout.
But the Brit feels confident ahead of his clash on the Chris Billam-Smith vs. Armend Xhoxhaj undercard at the Bournemouth International Centre.
“Roberto is the number one fighter in his country of Nicaragua, he has fought world class operators in the past and he has experience,” McKinson said.
“He’s a big puncher who is very, very dangerous. It should be a good fight but I’m a world class fighter and I’m going to prove it.
“I don’t need it – but don’t be surprised if there is a knockout.
“I had to go on a trip and do things the hard way.
“That’s why I’m very happy to have the opportunity to have my comeback fight on this card – it’s my homecoming.”
