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Ex-Crystal Palace and Norwich striker set for British title eliminator

Leon McKenzie: Parades title belt at Selhurst Park
Image: Leon McKenzie: Parades title belt at Selhurst Park

Former Premier League footballer Leon McKenzie says people will stand up and take notice of him as a fighter when he beats John McCallum in a British super-middleweight title eliminator.

The ex-Crystal Palace and Norwich striker has been rewarded for his International Masters title success last month with a match-up against the unbeaten Scot at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on July 4.

McKenzie is also unbeaten, winning six and drawing one of his seven contests since becoming a boxer in 2013 after calling time on his 16-year playing career.

And the 37-year-old insists he is ready to put himself in the frame for a British title shot as he tries to emulate his father, former British and European champion Clinton.

"I'm really close to something really dreamy and fulfilling let's be honest." McKenzie told Sky Sports.

"I'm not even in double figures yet but it shows how far I have come on and where I'm at as a fighter because things like this don't happen to people who can't fight.

A 37-year-old guy doesn't just turn professional unless they have something about them. Fighting is in my blood and I'm ready for this fight, I've been ready since I was born.
Leon McKenzie

"I've come on a lot. There have been a couple of times where I've been tested but I know I can go to that place. I know I can take a shot. I've been hurt in fights, I've come back in fights, and I’ve cruised certain fights and boxed very much within myself. But at each level I feel like I'm stepping up and getting better and better.

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“My story is a little bit different from most. I'm from a well-schooled family and that's what a lot of people don't understand. They need to stop looking at my football CV and think that's something to go by. It's not relevant.

"A 37-year-old guy doesn't just turn professional unless they have something about them. Fighting is in my blood and I'm ready for this fight, I've been ready since I was born."

McKenzie, who also played for clubs including Coventry, Charlton and Peterborough, was a guest at Selhurts Park for last weekend’s clash between Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

“It was a fantastic moment for me because that's where I started my football career as a kid when I was on my path to becoming a professional footballer,

“It was lovely to be invited down and hold the belts up at Selhurst Park. It's so many years on but to come there as a champion of a different sport was a truly overwhelming experience.”

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