Veteran kickboxer Steve McKinnon eclipses fellow Aussie Chris Bradford to claim IWBKF heavyweight title
After 30 years and eight world titles, kickboxer Steve McKinnon’s passion for the sport is stronger than ever
The Hills
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Very few professional athletes hit their peak after they turn 40 but Castle Hill kickboxer Steve McKinnon is proof that age is just a number.
Last month the 41-year-old defeated fellow Aussie Chris Bradford in Melbourne to claim the International World Kickboxing Federation (IWKBF) heavyweight championship — the eighth world title of his career.
“I always expect to get the win,” the current WBC Muaythai Super Cruiserweight World Champion said.
“It’s what I do — I fight and I win.”
McKinnon has been in the game a long time. He started training in muaythai when he was 12 and had his first kickboxing fight when he was 15.
But he does not view his age as a detriment.
“I know how to prepare,” McKinnon said.
“I’m fitter than I’ve ever been in my life and my body feels more durable than when I was younger. My workrate and being fitter than my opponent are some of my main strengths.
“I’ve learned how to train smarter, not harder and put quality over quantity.”
Dubbed the “Smashing Machine”, McKinnon has a professional record of 54 wins from 60 fights, with 37 of those victories coming via knockout.
He credits much of his success in the ring to what he has learned as a trainer at Bulldog Gym Castle Hill, working alongside older brother Stuart.
“As a person and as a fighter, you learn something from everyone. Even if it’s just Joe Blow in to get a bit more fit, you learn from them as well,” he said.
While McKinnon said he did think about retiring, he was in no rush to hang up the gloves and pads.
“I’m actually looking forward to retiring but I’m not ready just yet,” he said.
“I still really feel like I’m improving and I’m still hungry to win.”