© Lawrence Lustig

Ovill McKenzie has been handed a surprise opportunity to win £25,000 in the next Prizefighter competition.

McKenzie, 29, will be fighting in the Prizefighter Cruiserweights event at the Earls Court in London on Tuesday, May 19 after Mark Krence withdrew due to injury.

A former Commonwealth champion at light-heavyweight, McKenzie was one of the two unused reserves for the Prizefighter Light-Heavyweight tournament in February.

But he has now decided to move up to the higher weight and is confident of claiming the top prize on a frantic night of boxing on May 19.

“I was absolutely surprised and delighted to get the phone call to be in the latest Prizefighter,” said McKenzie.

“Having been a reserve for a previous Prizefighter, I know what these tournaments are all about and I’m excited to be in the main draw this time.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the other guys, they are all champions, but I won the Commonwealth title and have nothing to fear, especially over 3 rounds.

“I’m sure these contests are going to be short and sweet. They don’t call me the 'Upsetter' for nothing!”

Four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final will all take place in an action-packed three hours with each contest lasting a maximum of three rounds.

McKenzie will have a chance of gaining some revenge as he lost in the first defence of his Commonwealth title to Dean Francis, one of the other seven men in Prizefighter Cruiserweights.

Tickets cost £25 (unreserved) and £50 (reserved) and are available by calling 0870 903 9033 (24-hours), online at www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900. The whole show will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 from 8pm.

The full list of contenders is: Darren Corbett (Belfast), Terry Dunstan (Vauxhall, London), Dean Francis (Basingstoke / Finchley), John Keaton (Sheffield), Ovill McKenzie (Derby), Bruce Scott (Hackney), Neil Simpson (Coventry) and Micky Steeds (Isle of Dogs, London).

For more information about The Prizefighter Series, please visit www.theprizefighterseries.com or www.matchroomsport.com/boxing

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Boxing News Tags: Bruce Scott, Darren Corbett, Dean Francis, John Keaton, Mark Krence, Micky Steeds, Neil Simpson, Ovill McKenzie, Prizefighter, Terry Dunstan