‘Pompey Problem’ Mikey McKinson vows to make ‘massive statement' against Chris Kongo on Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin II undercard

The unbeaten welterweights are set to put their perfect records on the line for the WBO Global belt at Wembley Arena in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday, March 6.

McKinson - 19-0 in his professional career to date - has long been gunning for Kongo, calling him out after his win over Martin Harkin in December, and he now has his man.

It promises to be a mouth-watering battle of Britain with both claiming they are the most avoided fighters on these shores.

But there's no doubt the 'Pompey Problem' - currently sixth in the WBO world rankings - is deserving of his shot on the big stage.

The 26-year-old has put in the hard yards fighting on shows at Downpatrick Cricket Club in Northern Ireland and Liquid and Envy Nightclub.

And having come right from the bottom, McKinson is now ready to introduce himself on the big stage on the undercard of Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin II.

He said: 'I’ve been knocking at the door for a long time now. I deserved a big fight a long time ago, really.

‘It was just a matter of time and I’m buzzing that I’ve finally got it.

‘I’ve managed to get to the big stage harder than anyone else.

‘I didn’t earn a penny out of boxing for my first 10 fights.

‘I’ve had to go away, I’ve been the B, away side and fought the home fighter and won, I’ve boxed former GB boys before and won. I’ve been expected to lose a few times and I’ve proved people wrong my whole career.

'I was born to be on the big stage, I was born for it.

‘It’s took me 26 years but now I’m here I don’t plan on leaving.

‘I plan on making a massive statement in six weeks.

'There’s one thing being in this position, I’ve got my fight, now I’ve got to get my victory.'

McKinson acknowledged he faces his toughest test yet if he is to add the WBO Global title to his collection of WBO European and WBC international silver welterweight belts.

But he is confident he can tame big puncher Kongo, from Bermondsey in south east London, who has knocked out seven of his 12 professional opponents.

Southpaw McKinson says the pressure of overcoming his most challenging opponent to date and knowing what's at stake will only help raise his level.

'I thrive off pressure. The harder the fight the better I perform, and it’s always been that way,' he added.

‘This is the most dangerous fighter I’ve ever been in with, it’s going to be my hardest fight, and it’s on the big stage.

‘I’ve been boxing 20 years and it all comes down to March 6.

‘I’ve had to go through bad stages in my career, although I’ve won, the money and I couldn’t get sponsors at times, but it’s all worth it now - it’ll be worth it when I win.

‘He’s a very big puncher, he’s very athletic and he’s very tall at the weight.

‘There’s no fighter like me in the UK.

‘I don’t know how the styles are going to gel, to be fair. I don’t know how they will gel but it doesn’t matter.

‘March 6 changes my life.’