At Richmond Motor Group we enjoy celebrating local inspirations and talents by providing opportunities and sponsorships. After deciding to extend our partnership with the 29-year-old Portsmouth welterweight, we had the pleasure of catching up with McKinson at the gym, Basecamp, in Hilsea.
From the outset, Mikey was destined for the boxing ring. Under the expert guidance of his father, Michael Ballingall, who also coaches Mikey's younger brother Lucas, the reigning English Super lightweight champion, this athletic family has firmly established its success in the Portsmouth boxing scene.
A little over a year ago, Sam Nobes, the Operations Director of Richmond, approached Mikey with an exciting proposition from Richmond Motor Group. Over the past year, we've provided constant support to McKinson in various capacities, witnessing firsthand his unwavering dedication and progression within the sport. Given his remarkable journey and continued commitment, it was only natural for us to extend our partnership.
As a Portsmouth-founded business, one standout moment for us at Richmond Motor Group was Mikey's most memorable experience in the sport. He made history as the first boxer from the city to step into the professional ring in the US. He shared with us “There’s a memory which means a lot to me where about 50 people from Portsmouth join me in LA all wearing team McKinson t-shirts celebrating in the streets. I was young so to get the love and the appreciation from my city means a lot.”
The sponsorship from Richmond Motor Group means Mikey can continue to give all his focus and energy to his progression as an athlete. We can’t wait to see what McKinson achieves this year; we know he’s going to give it his all.
Mikey shares a little bit of advice to any aspiring boxers “When times get hard you must make the sacrifices. Whether that be not going to events, missing a party, or forgoing your birthday celebrations. Focus now, put all your work in now and listen to the good people around you and with that, you can go as far as you want.”