Michael McKinson’s Slick Style Proves To Much For Przemyslaw Runowski
British welterweight wildcard Michael “The Problem” McKinson returns to the ring to prove his high level ranking with the WBO is no fluke! In doing so, he defended the WBO Global minor title against the once defeated Polish welterweight Przemyslaw Runowski.
MICHAEL MCKINSON (21-0, 2KO)
As previously stated, McKinson has been recognized as a top level welterweight by the WBO. He maintains the fourth position within the rankings which was bolstered after a satisfying victory as the underdog over highly-touted prospect Chris Kongo in March. Some fans even speculated the high ranking would present him a title shot against Terence Crawford as the world awaited the champ’s next fight announcement. While that understandably did not come, the opportunity to continue his undefeated streak against a “serviceable” opponent (record wise) did.
PRZEMYSLAW RUNOWSKI (19-2, 5KO)
Runowski is unranked and extremely unknown on the world stage. In twenty professional bouts, he only fought outside of Poland one time. This resulted in a one-sided decision loss to well-known British welterweight contender Josh Kelly in 2019. He has since picked up two knockout victories but those came against other unknown fighters within the Polish landscape. Runowski comes from a family of fighters and boasts an impressive record. However, he does not possess the kind of skill needed to be anything more than a tune-up for McKinson.
CRUISING TO VICTORY
This fight was just as easy to call as it was on paper by the first three rounds. McKinson was clearly the more polished fighter as he introduced the ability to jab from a distance while staying out of danger behind a slick southpaw style. Additionally, he would punish his opponent lumbering in with crisp counter-punching. This immediately confused Runowski and rendered him into a defense shell for the majority of the fight. In turn, The Problem was able to do whatever he wanted for ten rounds!
Maybe a career fighting under the Polish lights are just not as bright as the ones in the UK! Runowski was a fighter that did not look as one that acquired a 19-1 record. Even though McKinson is absolutely not known for his power, he seemed weary to engage as if he were fighting someone that had concussive knockout power. This, even though the British fighter was hitting him with pitty-pat shots and slaps most of the time that had very little power on them. Even when he attempted to put some steam on a shot, McKinson doesn’t properly sit down on his punches. Therefore, those shots didn’t exert much power either.
Only Runowski and maybe his corner understand why he just didn’t put McKinson on his back-foot with intense pressure. Especially when the probability of a bomb waiting on you in return is pretty much nil.
HE IS NOT READY
While he won this fight hands down, this was not an impressive performance for McKinson. Given his high ranking with the WBO, one would expect a more fundamentally sound fighter in the ring. His wide stance, somewhat flat-feet, sub-par defense, his tendency to keep his hands low and the inability to sit down and turn over shots properly would get him destroyed against the top brass at welterweight.
For now, it would be wise for the 27 year-old to stay on the domestic level or look to pick a fight with a ranked fighter that is not elite. For example, names like #8 ranked David Avanesyan, #11 Lewis Crocker or #7 Custio Clayton would suffice. He will definitely need to polish his style more against mid-level contenders before exploring a title shot or even a match-up with a top level contender. Therefore, ignoring his #4 ranking for now may be best!
By: EJ Williams
