'Underdog' Chris Kongo putting the pressure on 'Pompey Problem' Mickey McKinson as pair get set to meet on Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin II undercard

Chris Kongo insists all the pressure will be on Mikey McKinson when the pair put their unbeaten welterweight records on the line at Wembley Arena on Saturday, March 6.
Chris Kongo, right, lands a shot on Serge Ambomo. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesChris Kongo, right, lands a shot on Serge Ambomo. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Chris Kongo, right, lands a shot on Serge Ambomo. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The highly anticipated fight is one the 'Pompey Problem' has been pushing for and he's now got his shot at the Bermondsey-based boxer for the WBO Global belt on the Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin II undercard.

It promises to be an intriguing battle of Britain with both fighters yet to taste defeat in their professional careers in 31 bouts between them.

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But Kongo, who produced a stunning knockout victory over Luther Clay to win the WBO Global title in his last fight, says he'll be the 'underdog' - despite holding the WBO Global belt.

McKinson has had seven more pro fights than his Bermondsey-based opponent and he openly admits the 'Problem Problem's' had tougher tests in the ring.

Yet, there is still no doubt in Kongo's mind that he's going to come out on top on fight night.

Speaking to IFL TV, the Bermondsey fighter said: 'I believe I’m still the underdog, I’ve got that underdog mentality.

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‘He’s had more fights than me, 19-0, I’m only 12-0. He’s way more experienced than me, he’s fought the better opposition, I’ve only fought one good opposition.

‘Really and truly the pressure is on him, he has to deliver.

‘Regardless of A, B side or whatever when it comes to March 6 it’s not going to matter.

‘I’m not looking at no A side or B side, I don’t care, I’m just wanting to fight and these are the fights that I want.

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‘I’ve got the more exciting style, he knows I’ve got the power, he knows I’ve got the strength and the speed so, boy, that’s all I’m saying. People are going to see some explosive stuff, I’m telling you now, he’s going down 100 per cent.’

Even Kongo has been surprised by the reaction he's received since the fight was announced.

It brings together two of the most highly rated welterweight fighters in Britain.

But Kongo says he never had any hesitation about agreeing to what is sure to be the toughest challenge of his career to date.

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‘I think people are shocked thinking I would take the fight or he wouldn’t take the fight now,' added Kongo.

‘The response has been crazy, people want to see this fight.

‘I didn’t know people wanted to see it that much but it’s here now, March 6, we’re good to go.

‘At the end of the day I need a fight now. I didn’t get one in December because we had a plan with the management team to go for the British eliminator and obviously that didn’t happen.

‘This is a bigger fight for now, I’m ready for it.

‘This is my time, I keep saying it.’

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