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Leon McKenzie is currently unbeaten in the ring. PA Wire/Press Association Images
Career Change

Former Premier League striker to fight for national super-middleweight title

Leon McKenzie enters the ring later this year.

THREE YEARS AFTER retiring from professional football, Leon McKenzie will fight for the British super-middleweight title in November.

The former Premier League striker, who made his pro-boxing debut in June 2013, takes on Jahmaine Smyle at York Hall in London for the national crown.

McKenzie started his football career at Crystal Palace before enjoying successful spells with Peterborough United and then Norwich City among others.

The 38-year-old scored seven goals in 24 top-flight appearances for the Canaries during the 2004/05 season.

McKenzie comes from a family steeped in boxing tradition. His father, Clinton, is a former European champion and his uncle, Duke, is a three-time world champion.

Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Norwich City v Manchester United - Carrow Road McKenzie celebrates scoring against Man United in 2005. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

After a football career spanning eight years and nine clubs, McKenzie made his boxing debut at the age of 35 and is currently unbeaten with a record of 8-0-1.

His last fight saw him beat Kelvin Young by knockout in 43 seconds.

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