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
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
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
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
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.
- Mourinho refuses to speak to media after loss to West Ham
- 'It's been a tough week' Jose stonefaced at press conference
- Klopp: At the end no goal, 98% ok, not perfect, 2% missed
- 81-year-old stuns guitar shop staff with his playing
- Bully takes a beating as 'victim' unveils his boxing skills
- WARNING GRAPHIC: 'Drunk' driver plows into OSU parade
- Simon Cowell's adorable son Eric gate crashes his interview
- Woman crashed into crowd as OSU homecoming parade was ending
- 'Drunk' driver kills 3 at Oklahoma State Homecoming Parade
- Shocking footage shows women being tortured for 'witchcraft'
- Can you work out what this bizarre object is in the sky?
- Owner terrifies cat by placing CUCUMBER on the floor
- Jose Mourinho is on the brink: Chelsea manager and his club...
- West Ham 2-1 Chelsea and Aston Villa 1-2 Swansea RESULTS:...
- West Ham 2-1 Chelsea: Andy Carroll scores winner as Jose...
- South Africa 18-20 New Zealand Rugby World Cup RESULT: All...
- Arsenal 2-1 Everton: Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny...
- Robert Lewandowski reported to police for drinking champagne...
- Mario Balotelli could be sued after being accused of...
- Jose Mourinho's soap opera season hits new low as Chelsea...
- Lionel Messi refuses to rule out eventual move to the...
- Arsenal 2-1 Everton Barclays Premier League RESULT: Olivier...
- United vs City is the £545m game: Player price tags prove...
- Chelsea 'devastated' by West Ham defeat, admits Gary Cahill...