Ovill McKenzie's IBF cruiserweight bid ends in draw against Ramirez

IBF cruiserweight champion Victor “El Tyson del Abasto” Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KOs) retained his title with a disappointing twelve round draw against #14 rated Ovill “The Upsetter” McKenzie (25-12-1, 13 KOs) on Friday night at the Villa La Ñata Sporting Club in Benavidez, Argentina.

Briton Ovill McKenzie narrowly failed to claim the IBF cruiserweight title after a split-decision draw against champion Victor Emilio Ramirez. Scores were 115-113, 114-114, 113-115.

The 35-year-old fought toe-to-toe despite having just 11 days' notice and the contest being staged in the Argentine's hometown of Buenos Aires.

The Derby-based fighter, the British and Commonwealth champion, landed a big overhand right in the second.

McKenzie began to show signs of fatigue in the eighth, which encouraged Ramirez to drive forwards, but the challenger fighter rallied to hold his own for the remaining four rounds and take it through to the scorecards.

Ramirez, 31, came back strongly, but McKenzie rallied in the later rounds.

"The only thing that's bruised on me is my hands and my faith in the IBF," said McKenzie.

Ramirez was making his first defense after being elevated from interim to full IBF champion after Yoan Pablo Hernandez was unable to defend the belt due to a string of injuries.