"The Problem," an the awkward southpaw from Portsmouth, has always been one of the most avoided British boxers of his generation.

And that reputation ruined his plans throughout 2025 as any and all opportunities to fight eluded him completely.

“It has been a nightmare really,” McKinson tells The Ring. “I’ve been in the gym the whole time, fit and ready to go. I was away a couple of times last year as a sparring partner and things, staying active, but I just couldn't get a fight.

“I was 32 the other week. I know these are the important years I'm in my prime. I’m just really grateful to Amir Khan Promotions and the team around it for calling me for this fight.

“I had got to the stage where I have to say yes to anything right now. And for this to be offered to me on DAZN, going to Lagos, a place that I've never been. It’s a blessing.”

Facing undefeated Algerian Mohammed Sahnoun (8-0, 6 KOs) as part of the Khan Promotions event at Balmoral Convention came as a surprise to pretty much everyone, including McKinson himself.

His last fight came in December 2024 when he outpointed Ryan Frost over six rounds in an encounter he actually had to pay for himself.

It was a chance to get the wheels turning again after he was beaten by Tulani Mbenge at London’s Copper Box Arena two months earlier.

But far from pave the way to more opportunities for the man who faced Vergil Ortiz in August 2022, the victory over Frost only served to close the road entirely.

“I’ve been referred to as the president of the Who Needs Him Club for a long time,” he said. “It was a compliment on my way up but now it's kind of a burden. Having that title doesn’t pay my bills. There are four kids at home.

“It has been really, really quiet for the last 15 months and it's been horrible. I've been an out-of-work boxer which is the worst thing to be, especially at my age as well. I'm in my prime years right now and I'll never get them back.

“Thankfully, my sponsors have really stuck by me. My bills have been paid for since I last fought, but it's the fight money that I need to live. So it has been tough. Last year was difficult.

“But then I know I have to stay optimistic in the hope that something's around the corner."

McKinson’s brother, Lucas Ballingall, called time on his 11-year professional career in February after similar struggles. And, although he did consider throwing in the towel himself, McKinson still feels he has a point to prove in the professional game.

“I had that question about retirement after the Mbenge fight,” he said. “But ever since I've felt like I've had a chip on my shoulder and no, I'll prove to all of them, I've got something, I've still got stuff left in me.

“I won’t deny that it has been a nightmare for me, but I’ve finally got a date now and people are going to see me again.

“We can put last year in the past. I’ve got a lot of frustration to take out on this guy, and then I will be using my voice again.”