Record

CodeDS/UK/13072
NameMcKenzie; Duke (1963-); MBE; British professional boxer and television presenter
Dates1963-
GenderMale
BiographyDuke McKenzie MBE (born 5 May 1963) is a British former professional boxer, now a boxing commentator for broadcaster ITV.
Previously a highly successful professional boxer, McKenzie has been British champion at two weights, a European champion once and world champion at three different weights. His professional record is 39-7 (20 by KO). He was known for being one of the few professional fighters to wear spectacles in the ring.

Flyweight[edit]He won the British flyweight title (5 June 1985) with a fourth round stoppage over Danny Flynn. He later defended this against Charlie Magri (20 May 1986) and added Magri's European flyweight title.

Both titles were relinquished when McKenzie won the IBF flyweight Title on 5 October 1988 with an 11th round knockout over Rolando Bohol.

After two title defences and one non-title, McKenzie lost the IBF flyweight title to Dave McAuley on 7 June 1989 in his first defeat.
An unsuccessful challenge for the European (EBU) Bantamweight title on 30 September 1990 saw McKenzie lose to Thierry Jacob of France.

On 30 June 1991 McKenzie became a world champion for a second time, winning the WBO bantamweight title with a 12-round decision over Gaby Canizales. This was lost to Rafael Del Valle on 13 May 1992 when McKenzie suffered his first knockout loss, in the first round.

On 15 October 1992 McKenzie became a three-weight world champion, beating Jesse Benavides after twelve rounds for the WBO Super Bantamweight title. On 9 June 1993, Daniel Jimenez beat McKenzie on points, in his first defence of this title.

On 18 December 1993 McKenzie became a four-weight champion, beating John Davison for the British Featherweight title. An attempt to become world champion at this division ended in a knockout loss to Steve Robinson on 1 October 1994. McKenzie's next fight was an unsuccessful challenge for Mehdi Labdouni's European featherweight title.

McKenzie's last fight, in March 1998, saw him lose in farcical circumstances in the first round to 4-4 Santiago Rojas.

He previously commentated on boxing for BBC Radio Five Live and BBC television with John Rawling. He joined ITV with Rawling when boxing returned to the network in September 2005. He has also broadcast for BoxNation, Primetime and Al Jazeera. He also runs a flourishing gymnasium in Crystal Palace.

Personal life[edit]He is the brother of former British and European champion Clinton McKenzie and former amateur boxer and politician Winston McKenzie. He is a nephew of Weightlifter Precious McKenzie and uncle of Charlton Athletic striker Leon McKenzie.

Related Events

Add to My Items