McKinson: I'll show boxing great it's my time

Mikey McKinson has vowed to send Colin Lynes into retirement as big-time boxing returns to the city.
Mikey McKinson, right, takes on two-time British and European champion Colin Lynes in a weltereight match-up at the Mountbatten Centre tomorrow night Picture: Ian HargreavesMikey McKinson, right, takes on two-time British and European champion Colin Lynes in a weltereight match-up at the Mountbatten Centre tomorrow night Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Mikey McKinson, right, takes on two-time British and European champion Colin Lynes in a weltereight match-up at the Mountbatten Centre tomorrow night Picture: Ian Hargreaves

McKinson takes on the two-time British and European champion in an intriguing welterweight match-up of youth and experience.

At 39, Lynes is in boxing’s last-chance saloon, but looked in phenomenal condition when he tipped the scales at the Village Hotel in North Harbour.

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The 39-11 man weighed 10st 6lb, with his opponent – 16 years his junior – coming in 10st 6lb 8oz.

McKinson has no doubt this is his time and, at 23, feels age is a huge factor in the match-up.

He said: ‘It’s a massive, massive fight given what he’s achieved in the sport.

‘I’ve had to do it hard in my pro career. I’ve had to go on shows to make up the numbers.

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‘So to walk out at the Mountbatten Centre with hundreds of people cheering my name and headlining the event is going to be special.

‘This is the biggest show since the Tony Oakey days.

‘He (Lynes) looked in great condition but I wouldn’t expect anything less. This is his last roll of the dice.

‘I’ve nothing but respect for him and what’s he’s achieved in the sport.

‘If I can achieve what he has I’ll be a very happy man.

‘Age is going to be a big factor in this fight. I’m too young, I’m too hungry and I’m too talented!

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‘Age is a massive factor in this fight. I’m going to make him feel every second of his 39 years.

‘He’s tasted the titles and the achievements. That’s what I’m hungry for. I’ve got nothing but respect for him – but this is my time.’

Lynes is out to show he still has much to offer the professional game, and is unfazed by the prospect of stepping out in enemy territory.

He promised he’s in the kind of shape which is going to cause the home favourite problems.

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Lynes said: ‘I’m still fresh, still hungry and still haven’t fulfilled what I want to do. I’ve still got the hunger.

‘I’m clean living and reaping the rewards of someone who lives clean.

‘The proof is in the pudding. If you live well and treat your body well, you can keep going.

‘It’s going to be great. If it’s anything like the Tony Oakey shows, when he had the whole place rocking, I’m up for that.

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‘I’m not nasty or spiteful, so I’ll enjoy it as much as the crowd does.

‘I’ve never fought fights where you just stand there and trade toe-to-toe.

‘I’ve always gone into a fight in good condition, but for this one I’ve left no stone unturned – and you’ll see that on the night.

‘I’m sure after the contest people will be saying he’s still got it.’

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