The Pompey Problem looks to add the WBO Global welterweight belt to his collection when he faces Chris Kongo live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday. McKinson, 26, will bid to take his perfect professional record to 20-0 while ending the Bermondsey-based fighter’s unbeaten days in the pro ranks. The chance of a mouth-watering Battle of Britain on the biggest stage on the Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin II undercard in Gibraltar is a world away from the Pompey boy’s humble beginnings. He certainly hasn’t had it easy on a professional road that started out at the Devonish Complex in Belfast seven years ago. Since then, McKinson has remained unbeaten in his 19 pro fights, winning the WBC youth world title along with the WBC international silver and WBO European welterweight belts. Here, The News have picked out some of the highlights along the way as McKinson prepares for a well-earned big night in front of the Sky Sports Box Office cameras.
. SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Michael McKinson poses for a portrait during the Michael Ballingall Boxing Stable Media Session at Browns Gym on September 28, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Mikey McKinson. Picture: James Chance/Getty Images Photo: James Chance
. Jan Salamacha - October 4 2014
The Pompey Problem kicked off his professional career with a points win over Polish fighter Jan Salamacha at the Devenish Complex, Belfast. The Sky Sports Box Office cameras were a long way off then. Photo: Mick Young
. Dan Carr - March 28 2015
In his fifth pro bout, McKinson boxed in front of a crowd in his hometown of Portsmouth for the first time. He overcame Dan Carr on points at the Mountbatten Centre. Photo: Neil Marshall
. Stanislav Nenkov - March 13 2016
The southpaw took his perfect pro record to 8-0 by defeating Bulgarian Stanislav Nenkov on points. He did it in from of him home support again - this time at Liquid & Envy Nightclub Photo: Mick Young
. Duane Green - December 10 2016
This points win over Duane Green would set McKinson up for a shot at the vacant WBC world youth welterweight title just five months later. Photo: Neil Marshall
5. Ryan Martin - April 8 2017
What a moment this was for the Pompey Problem. He defeated Swindon's Ryan Martin in front of his home support on a unanimous decision to take the vacant WBC youth world welterweight title. Photo: Neil Marshall
6. Colin Lynes - November 25 2017
Career title number two arrived for McKinson as he added the vacant WBC international silver welterweight strap to his collection by defeating Colin Lynes inside the distance. Photo: Neil Marshall 2017
7. Sammy McNess - October 26 2018
McKinson made the first defence of his WBC international silver welterweight title on his maiden appearance live on TV. A dream night saw him beat Sammy McNess on a unanimous decision at the famous York Hall. Photo: Neil Marshall
8. Ryan Kelly - March 9 2019
McKinson made another successful WBC international silver welterweight title defence. In what he described as his 'toughest test' up until then he defeated Ryan Kelly on a unanimous decision Photo: Jake Henderson