British cruiserweight Ovill McKenzie has come agonisingly close to claiming the IBF title after earning a draw with champion Victor Emilio Ramirez.
The 35-year-old took the fight on 11 days' notice and was considered a huge underdog against Ramirez, who was competing in front of his home supporters in Buenos Aries.
However, McKenzie started well, landing a big right hand in the second, before Ramirez came back into the contest during the middle rounds.
The former Commonwealth champion impressed during the closing stages, however, and he threw everything at Ramirez in the final round without landing a finishing blow.
The three officials returned scores of 113-115, 114-114 and 115-113 respectively, leaving McKenzie to reflect on coming within a point of becoming world champion, but aware that his stock in the 200lbs division has risen considerably.
Darren Plant
