Ovill McKenzie vs. Matty Askin: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

Ovill McKenzie and Matty Askin will finally meet in the ring on Friday when the two cruiserweights clash at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

The duo had been scheduled to meet in Widnes on March 14, only for that bout to be postponed at short notice.

Instead they will now travel to London to do battle, with McKenzie (23-12, 12 KOs) putting his British and Commonwealth titles on the line.

Askin (17-2, 10 KOs) has not fought in nearly a year, his last outing seeing him defeat Menay Edwards to be crowned English champion.

When: Friday, March 27 at 10 p.m. GMT

Where: York Hall, Bethnal Green, England

TV: BoxNation (subscription required)

Live Stream: BoxNation (subscription required and region restricted) 

Eyes on the prize

Born in Jamaica but now based in Derby, McKenzie has also campaigned at light heavyweight in his career. 

The 35-year-old is probably best known for putting Tony Bellew down twice in the early rounds of their first meeting in 2010, while he also has a stoppage victory over Enzo Maccarinelli on his record.

There are plenty of losses too, but McKenzie has never backed down from the opportunity to share a ring with any of his domestic rivals.

His heavy hands always make for lively fights, though McKenzie wants to be more than just an entertainer.

The Upsetter feels he can move a step closer to a tilt at a world title if he sees off the challenge of Askin, with Marco Huck firmly in his sights.

McKenzie said of a showdown with the WBO belt holder, per Kevin Francis of the Daily Star: “Without being disrespectful to Huck, I know that I could beat him. He’s got the style that I know I can overcome.”

Return to action

Askin has had to be patient for his chance to take on McKenzie.

As he revealed to Ryan Forde-Kelly of East Side Boxing, the delay has not hindered his preparations: 

"

It’s been 6-7 months in the making this fight and I’m sick and tired of hearing his name.

Believe me, when I get in that ring he is getting destroyed. That’s not being disrespectful to Ovill; he’s a very good fighter.

I just feel so good and so confident.

"

The 26-year-old has certainly had enough time to prepare for the test; his last fight was on March 29, 2014, against Edwards at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

He must hope there is no ring rust after so long out if he wants to make the most of the biggest opportunity in his professional career.

Prediction

Between McKenzie’s mixed record and Askin’s lack of activity of late, picking a winner isn’t an easy task.

Perhaps an indicator to the outcome could come from a previous opponent—both fighters have gone up against Jon-Lewis Dickinson, with contrasting outcomes.

While Askin lost on points in his first attempt to win the English belt in 2012, McKenzie stopped Dickinson inside two rounds last June.

In five of his last six outings the defending champion has won by stoppage. So long as he's not too preoccupied with thoughts of fighting Huck, Friday should see him add another to the collection.

He may, though, need to do it quickly. The more rounds that pass by, the better Askin's chances become of seizing the two belts on offer.