Leon McKenzie hands John McCallum a first defeat in British title eliminator bout

  • McKenzie forced Scottish opponent to retire on his stool after sixth round
  • McKenzie had promised to teach McCallum 'some respect' ahead of the bout
  • McCallum made an unfortunate remark about McKenzie's depression battle 
  • York Hall win leaves McKenzie a win away from becoming British champion

By Martin Domin for MailOnline

Published: 17:20 EST, 17 October 2015 | Updated: 17:24 EST, 17 October 2015

Leon McKenzie is one victory away from becoming British champion after beating John McCallum.

The former Norwich striker, who began his professional boxing career in 2013, forced his Scottish opponent to retire on his stool after the sixth of a scheduled 10 rounds at London's York Hall.

McKenzie will now be lined up for a shot at the winner of Calum Smith's clash with Rocky Fielding for the vacant super-middleweight belt next month, a title which was previously won by future world champions Carl Froch and James DeGale.

Leon McKenzie hops onto the ropes an roars after forcing John McCallum to retire on his stool after the sixth

Leon McKenzie hops onto the ropes an roars after forcing John McCallum to retire on his stool after the sixth

McKenzie (right) put paid to McCallum and can look forward to a shot at the vacant super-middleweight belt

McKenzie (right) put paid to McCallum and can look forward to a shot at the vacant super-middleweight belt

After a debut success over John Mason two years ago, McKenzie followed up with a points victory over unheralded Robert Studzindki.

He suffered a setback when he could only draw with Darren McKenna but recovered quickly to reel off four straight victories.

Only his latest one however, a one-sided 10-round triumph over Ivan Stupalo, was against an opponent with a winning record.

McCallum, who at 27 was 10 years McKenzie's junior, had won all seven of his contests to date.

But having turned professional in 2010, the Edinburgh man has suffered from inactivity with his last fight coming 17 months ago to the day.

McCallum sports a swollen and bloody left eye as McKenzie prepares to launch another attack

McCallum sports a swollen and bloody left eye as McKenzie prepares to launch another attack

McKenzie connects with a right as his opponent recoils with the sheer force of the blow

McKenzie connects with a right as his opponent recoils with the sheer force of the blow

The Scot had soured the build-up to their top-of-the-bill clash by labelling his opponent 'Suicide Leon' in reference to the former footballer's attempt to take his life during his battle with depression.

McKenzie, backed by his boxing uncle Duke and father Clinton, vowed to teach McCallum 'a lesson' and refused to shake his hand during the stare down that followed Friday's weigh-in.

And both men contributed to an absorbing clash with the early rounds suggesting a long night ahead.

The opening three sessions were closely fought but when McKenzie won the fourth, he sensed he could seize control of the fight.

A delighted McKenzie shares a moment with proud father Clinton after his victory over the Scottish pugilist

A delighted McKenzie shares a moment with proud father Clinton after his victory over the Scottish pugilist

The duo can look forward to a future fight to become British champion after the win at York Hall

The duo can look forward to a future fight to become British champion after the win at York Hall

By the sixth stanza McCallum's nose was bloodied and he appeared to be feeling the effects of his lay-off.

And having retreated to his stool, he failed to appear for the seventh round, sparking jubilant scenes in the opposite corner. 

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