Mikey McKinson's message to his Portsmouth following ahead of Sky Sports Box Office showdown with Chris Kongo

Mikey McKinson wears his Pompey shirt during interviews in Gibraltar today ahead of this weekend's WBO Global title fight against Chris Kongo. Picture By Dave Thompson (Matchroom Boxing).

And he promised to defeat Chris Kongo and bring the 'big nights' back to the city.

The undefeated Pompey Problem faces the Bermondsey-based boxer for his WBO Global welterweight title on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday.

It's a massive night for McKinson, who gets to perform on one of boxing's biggest stages on the undercard of the Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin II.

Around 500 tickets have been made available for locals to attend the event at Gibraltar's Europa Point Sports Complex.

But with travel restrictions remaining in place, McKinson will not have any of his Pompey army in attendance.

Although disappointed his strong support will not be able to watch his biggest night ringside, the 26-year-old is keen to put on a show for those watching at home.

McKinson said: ‘I just want to give love to my city because I know how much love and support they are giving me for this back home.

‘I know they can’t travel - I reckon I could have got a lot of support out in Gibraltar if they could travel.

‘I’m extremely proud to be from Portsmouth and I’m proud to be carrying the flag for Portsmouth.

'I’ll get the job done and then it's big nights for my city.

‘I would love in the future to bring Sky Sports back to Portsmouth.'

McKinson returned to the ring after an 11-month absence because of the pandemic and beat undefeated Scot Martin Harkin last October.

On that occasion, no supporters were allowed to attend the fight at the Production Park Studios at South Kirby, in West Yorkshire, amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

But McKinson is relieved some fans will be permitted to attend when he faces Kongo - even if they're not following him.

He added: 'I perform well under pressure, I perform very well under pressure.

‘I’m happy there’s going to be some form of crowd there, it’s going to be nothing like my Portsmouth supporters, but I know I’ve got good support back home and I’ve got a lot of love in Portsmouth that are really engaged in this fight.

‘I can’t wait to get the job done and then they (his fans) can travel to the next one.'