Kye MacKenzie discusses Jack Asis title challenge, meteoric rise

 
THEY say that a happy fighter is often a dangerous fighter.

 
And for that reason alone, fast-rising super featherweight prospect Kye MacKenzie (14-0, 12 KOs) goes into the biggest fight of his career in Newcastle on Saturday night full of confidence and as a heavy favourite.

 
MacKenzie, 22, regarded by most as the best domestic prospect in the last twelve months, will test his mettle against resurgent Filipino Jack Asis (32-18-5, 17 KOs) with the vacant IBO super featherweight title on the line.

 
While their roads to the IBO super featherweight title could not have been more different, they share the confidence of fighters who are not only in the best patch of their respective careers, but also in great form.

 
Asis, 31, is in the midst of a twelve-fight unbeaten streak, with respected names such as former Australian champion Brett William Smith, world rated lightweight Josh King, Nestor Rocha and Ryusei Yoshida all soundly beaten by the Toowoomba-based veteran.

 
“I think he (Asis) is gonna be very hungry to win the IBO world title as it’s his last shot if he loses,” said MacKenzie in an interview with Aus-Boxing. “I’m not going to mention any threats that he might carry, but we’re ready,”

 
The Tamworth-born MacKenzie had a signature year in 2014.

 
The unbeaten prospect, who proudly displays his Indigenous roots, defended his Australian title against Waylon Law – which ended in a highlight reel knockout – before disposing of Matt Garlett and former world title challenger Clive Atwell, also by knockout.

 
His journey and meteoric rise in the past twelve months is something that MacKenzie takes great pride in, even though his winning streak may roll on come Saturday night.

 
“It’s been an amazing experience and it’s something that only few can achieve but it’s taken a lot of dedication and commitment,” MacKenzie continued.

 
“A lot of it comes down to my trainer Lincoln Hudson, for bringing me this far as well as giving me theses opportunities and now a world title,”

 
“I couldn’t be happier,”

 
In total, MacKenzie fought and won a remarkable eight fights in 2014. Add to that already impressive feat with a ten-fight knockout streak and you are now talking about a fighter who is riding some serious momentum.

 
“Winning eight times in one year is something I’m very proud of,” MacKenzie explained.

 
“I think it’s easier to stay on track and smash out a few fights while you are fit – and then you have something to really celebrate – which makes it all worth it in the end,”

 
“But the main focus is to remember my long term goals, which I’ve done,”

 
As it presently stands, Kye MacKenzie is making noise within the super featherweight division.

 
Put looming WBC super featherweight title challenger Billy Dib aside and you will be hard pressed to find a better resume domestically than MacKenzie’s.

 
With that said, the quietly spoken MacKenzie is looking to further boost his resume with a title scalp over Jack Asis on Saturday night and leave the rest to play out by itself.

 
“It’s great to see that people are starting to notice of me,” said MacKenzie in closing. “I really want to make it, domestically I’m a force to be reckoned,”

 
“I’m definitely the number one at this weight. Being an active fighter plays its part but also my style, I think it’s the people’s favourite.”

 
 
Photo: Louie Abigail/Photography by Rockfingrz