Former Big Brother contestant Angel ‘The Artist’ McKenzie dedicated her victory on Saturday to her inspirational step-father and trainer, Croydon’s former British and European light-welterweight champion Clinton McKenzie.
The 35-year-old Russian-born Thornton Heath featherweight posted a scrappy 39-37 success over Wales’s Lana Cooper at York Hall in Bethnal Green in a bout televised live on ITV4.
Afterwards, she immediately thanked her trainer for restoring her confidence back in the ring.
“I was a so nervous before going into the ring but my trainer Clinton really gave me my confidence back,” said the personal fitness trainer.
“It was a bit difficult to jump back into the ring after appearing in Big Brother and I was shaking.
"I couldn’t believe in myself but Clifton believed in me and my boxing ability and he is my rock.
“It was a much busy fight for me but it was an unbelievable experience.
“I also like to thank promoter Mick Hennessy for giving me the opportunity and believing in me.”
She improves her record to three wins in 15 outings.
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