A fight people shouldn’t miss.
That is the prediction from Jarrow’s Ewan Mackenzie, who takes on Ishmael Davis on Matchroom’s NXTGEN show in Newcastle on Saturday evening.
It has the makings of the fight of the night of the Utilita Arena and there is plenty on the lines given it is an eliminator for the English light-middleweight championship.
There was a little spice, nothing malicious though, at Thursday’s media conference at Northumbria University Students Union, but the best thing about Mackenzie v Davis is that it’s a great match.
‘Macca’ (pictured left) is unbeaten after eight bouts, three finishing early, while his rival from Leeds, known as ‘The Black Panther’ boasts an 11-0 fight log with five stoppages.
“We are both undefeated, both prepared to put it on the line and I think we can both punch a bit so it’s not a fight people should miss,” said Mackenzie.
“I fully expect it to be a fight that catches fire.”
It is a genuine 50-50 contest and one Mackenzie is relishing.
“I feel very good, I’m just grateful for the opportunity, live on DAZN in a 10-rounder,” said the southpaw.
“To box in Newcastle in front of my own fans is a dream come true.
“I couldn’t wish for any more, I must make sure that come Saturday night I leave it all in the ring.”
There is real respect from Mackenzie towards his opponent though no fear.
“He’s a good all-round boxer who can do a bit of everything,” said Ewan.
“But I don’t think he is anything above me or that he does anything insane.
“I’m fully confident in my ability and what I can do.
“I have full faith that Saturday night will go in my favour.”
Davis is on a run of three straight stoppage victories which means Mackenzie will have to be alert, but the ex-Bilton Hall ABC star believes his ability to avoid the big shots will be key.
“I’ve had a few fights where I’ve hardly taken a punch,” he told punch-lines.
“I’m good at getting out of the way of them so I think that could make a difference.
“I’m hoping he is going to be hitting fresh air.”
While Mackenzie is from Jarrow, he has a foot on each side of the Tyne given he trains out of Forest Hall where he is coached by Davy Ritson and Owen Reay.
It is a combination which has borne fruit for the 25-year-old, who has sold a significant number of tickets.
“I’ve got a good support coming to the Arena,” he said. “I’m buzzing that there’s lots of lads and lasses behind me and I won’t let them down.”
Mackenzie v Davis is one an English eliminator double on the show, with fellow North-East unbeaten prospect, Mark Dickinson, facing season Kent campaigner Grant Dennis at middleweight.
Four of Mark’s old Birtley ABC comrades are on the bill, ex-GB Boxing star Callum French, brothers Ben and Owen Rees, and Cameron Vuong.
Top of the bill is the WBA Inter-Continental super-bantamweight battle between Shabaz Masoud and Jose Sanmartin, from Colombia.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Dave Thompson/ Matchroom Boxing
