(JULY 20) On Saturday night at the York Hall Bethnal Green, London, England, the women’s bout, the first ever featured on a Hennessy Sports promotion and scheduled immediately after an exciting Men’s British Light Heavyweight Title contest between Danny Mcintosh v Nathan Cleverly was a bit of a damp squib! (After 6 rounds of fast action during which he had been knocked down twice in the early rounds Mcintosh was TKO’d in 1 minute 30 seconds of the 7th round).

The best that can be said is that neither woman was incompetent or unprofessional- but it did not advance women’s boxing in Britain!

McKENZIE (35) is Russian by birth, but naturalized British. She runs a boxing and fitness gym in South London with her adopted father Clinton McKenzie a former British and European light welterweight champion. McKenzie is also a female Bodybuilder – in September 2006 being the Runner Up in the U.K. B.F.F. North East Championship Fitness Division. A woman of many talents she has had a career in Russia as a Pop singer and is also a talented artist and poet.

Since turning pro in 2005, she has had 17 professional fights, of which she has won 2 and lost 15.

Adding to her many accomplishments has been as a National T. V. personality in the latest Channel 4 British Big Brother reality show ! Following her eviction from the “House” earlier this month, this fight marked her return to the professional boxing ring.

COOPER (21) Is Welsh and is trained by Dai Gardiner.
Since turning pro in 2008 she has had 4 fights all of which she has lost on points – twice to Kristine Shergold.

Billed as a Lightweight contest of 4 x 2 minute rounds McKenzie (London) weighed 9 stones 1 pounds 8 ounces and Cooper (Glamorgan) weighed 9 stones 2 pounds 4 ounces

McKenzie's normally flamboyant entry into the ring was subdued – her normal act of eccentricity being reduced to a naval peaked cap – jauntily cocked to the side of her head, but this was quickly removed .

This set the “script” for the next 4 rounds which were conducted at a rather downbeat leisurely pace with no moments of high drama. There was no real power in any of the punching. McKenzie appeared to be attempting to box her opponent rather than use her more usual brawling style. Vastly more experienced, she took the initiative to Cooper who was forced to adopt a defensive style of holding her gloves up in a blocking stance. The rounds developed into a regular pattern of short encounters with “intervals” Neither fighter really dominated the fight.

Mckenzie won 39 points to 37.”

Copyright John E.G.Wilson.