British boxer Michael McKinson wants to “make a statement” when he steps into the ring to fight Roberto Arriaza on Saturday.<\/span><\/p>\n He is looking to bounce back after suffering his first professional loss and missing out on the WBO Welterweight title against American Vergil Ortiz in Texas earlier this year.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n “I didn’t need to fight again in 2022 but I didn’t want to end my biggest year in boxing with a stoppage loss,” the 28-year-old told BBC Radio Solent.<\/span><\/p>\n “I want to put things right and end the year with a win in a dangerous fight.”<\/span><\/p>\n McKinson, from Portsmouth, has 22 wins to his name and his last eight victories have been by unanimous decision.<\/span><\/p>\n His career was given a massive boost when he defeated Przemyslaw Runowski and Chris Kongo in 2021 during a stint where he formed a habit of knocking his opponents to the canvas in the opening round.<\/span><\/p>\n “They don’t make them like McKinson anymore,” he added.<\/span><\/p>\n “I had an easy fight option for this card, almost a certain win, but I said ‘no give me a dangerous opponent’ and I got one.<\/span><\/p>\n “Will I get the respect for that? Probably not.”<\/span><\/p>\n The southpaw believes he has not had the recognition he deserves throughout his eight year career.<\/span><\/p>\n He says he feels the love when he fights in America but is having to quietly earn it at home.<\/span><\/p>\n “I’m the UK’s best Welterweight but no one talks about Michael McKinson,” he added.<\/span><\/p>\n “When I’m in the US they respect me and then I come back here and who knows?<\/span><\/p>\n “Whoever they put in front of me I’ll keep beating them and keep looking good. <\/span><\/p>\n “This weekend is about getting the win and making a statement – it’s added pressure but I love it.”<\/span><\/p>\n McKinson, who is nicknamed The Problem, has had more fights overseas than in the UK in the past 18 months.<\/span><\/p>\n Saturday’s opponent Arriaza is older and taller than him but he has lost four of his last six fights including three by knockout.<\/span><\/p>\n But the Brit is feeling confident ahead of their clash on the <\/span>Chris Billam-Smith v Armend Xhoxhaj<\/span><\/a> undercard at Bournemouth International Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n “Roberto is the number one fighter in his country Nicaragua, he’s fought world class operators in the past and he has experience,” McKinson said.<\/span><\/p>\n “He’s a big puncher who is very, very dangerous. It should be a good fight but I am a world class fighter and I’m going to prove it.<\/span><\/p>\n “I don’t need it – but don’t be surprised if there is a knockout.<\/span><\/p>\n “I’ve had to go on my travels and do things the hard way.<\/span><\/p>\nMcKinson ‘loves’ added pressure<\/h3>\n
‘Don’t be surprised if there is a knockout’<\/h3>\n
![\"Listen](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/17F0D\/production\/_127816089_sounds_header_grey_8-1x.jpg\")
<\/span><\/span>![\"Listen](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/2365\/production\/_127816090_sounds_footer-1920x38-1x.jpg\")
<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n