We analyse the credentials and statistics of Michael McKinson and Tulani Mbenge as the pair get set to go head-to-head for the IBO welterweight title on the undercard of Adam Azim vs. Ohara Davies.
At first glance, you may think that Michael McKinson is in a stay-busy fight when he faces Tulani Mbenge, on 19th October, at the Copperbox Arena, but you would be wrong.
This is a real fight.
A quick look at the odds confirms as much: McKinson is the 4/7 favourite, while Mbenge is priced at 11/8.
McKinson gave a good account of himself against Vergil Ortiz Jr in 2022 and is hoping to get back in the mix at world level. He will believe that the vacant IBO title at stake here could open doors for him.
Mbenge has twice tasted defeat away from home, dropping razor-thin decisions to Sebastien Formella and Souleymane Cisssokho. He will be aiming to make it third time lucky.
Who will prevail?
Let’s have a look at the tale of the tape…
Michael McKinson | Tulani Mbenge | |
Age: | 27 | 33 |
Nickname: | 'The Problem' | N/A |
Height: | 5ft 9ins | 5ft 11 ½ins |
Reach: | 70ins | N/A |
Weight: | Welterweight | Welterweight |
Trainer: | Michael Ballingall | Sean Smith |
Record: | 26-1 (4 KOs) | 20-2 (15 KOs) |
Last Fight: | Win (UD 10) v Musah Lawson (December 2023) | Win (UD 10) v Leandro Ariel Fonseca (June 2024) |
Odds: |
Michael McKinson does not do things the easy way. He gained his big break in his 11th fight, travelling to Swindon to defeat unbeaten local ticket seller, Ryan Martin.
That was a sign of things to come.
He has subsequently faced five more undefeated fighters and has upset the odds while boxing on rival promoter’s shows and in boxer’s backyards.
He believes he is world-class and is determined to prove it. That attitude was demonstrated when he went across the Atlantic to face Vergil Ortiz Jr in 2022.
The American was deemed to be one of the best prospects in the world, but McKinson was not intimidated or overawed.
From the first bell, the Englishman took the fight to Ortiz Jr and gave a good account of himself, before being stopped in the ninth round. The loss has not diminished the southpaw’s desire to take risks.
The 27-year-old does not need to fight Tulani Mbenge. In fact, he gains little in victory, apart from the lightly regarded IBO world title, but ‘The Problem’ never ducks a challenge.
McKinson’s willingness to take on tests others would avoid should be commended.
This is a real fight, but the Portsmouth man would not have it any other way.
Strengths: | Weaknesses: |
Combinations | Open to straight right hands |
Hand speed | Can move back in straight lines |
Punch variety | Lack of knockout power |
Timing | Keeps his lead hand low |
Boxing is a sport of fine margins. Tulani Mbenge is acutely aware of this.
It is entirely possible that the South African should still be undefeated, but he dropped two contentious decisions on the road to; Sebastien Formella and Souleymane Cissokho.
Had those fights taken place in his native country, or at a neutral venue, it is highly likely he would have had his hand raised.
He has not been deterred by the disappointment of defeat as once again, he is boxing overseas.
The 33-year-old has good reason for having faith in his own ability. As well as his strong displays in the aforementioned losses, he holds stoppages win over Miguel Vasquez and Diego Gabriel Chaves, although both were at the tail-end of their careers.
McKinson will be a tricky opponent; the Englishman has fast hands, good timing and quick feet. However, Mbenge is big at the weight and has genuine pop on his punches.
The South African is also more well-schooled than he gets given credit for, having picked up a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Will it be more bitter disappointment for Mbenge or will he finally land a signature win on away soil?
Only time will tell.
Strengths: | Weaknesses: |
Upper body movement | Inaccurate puncher |
Jab | Overreaches with his punches |
Body shots | Keeps his left hand low |
Right cross | Head falls over the lead foot |