Aaron McKenna’s bid to capture the vacant IBF middleweight world title against Etinosa Oliha headlines Zuffa Boxing 10 in Dublin this Saturday, live on Sky Sports. The biggest fight of the unbeaten 27-year-old’s career happens to be his first on Irish soil as a professional, setting up a homecoming of career-defining proportions.
It’s set to be a family affair at the 3Arena, with Stephen McKenna fighting Owen O’Neill on the undercard before stepping into his younger brother’s corner. “This is our big homecoming and big night of Irish boxing. It’s going to be massive,” said Stevie, who will also fight in Ireland for the first time as a professional.
The McKennas are a band of brothers obsessed with matters in the ring and, in true sibling fashion, competitive in every pursuit out of it. “We’ve been boxing 22 years. It’s a long time,” Stephen said. “We love the game. Every day of our lives, it’s always been boxing.
They’ve made a lot of sacrifices over the years, living the life of a pure fighter. They train with each other and have always been able to work with each other, sparring. They’re very competitive with each other, whether it’s football, darts, or anything else – they’re always trying to get one better of each other.
Stevie concedes Saturday night is ultimately about his brother’s world title pursuit, but the excitable character is never too far from the limelight. He has proclaimed himself one of the most exciting fighters in the world and has vowed to live up to that reputation in his middleweight bout against O’Neill on Saturday night.
“Sometimes I’m too exciting. My dad sometimes wants me to control myself, but sometimes I just can’t help myself. I like entertaining people. I like giving value for money… I’m probably the most exciting of all the fighters in the world to watch,” he said.
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McKenna is seeking his second victory under the Zuffa Boxing banner after blasting Casey Streeter away in one round on debut on the Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki undercard in June. The 29-year-old forecasts more Irish success in Dublin this Saturday, for him, his brother, and middleweight Callum Walsh, who he has set his sights on fighting next.
As the boxing scene in Ireland continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more exciting matchups like the one between McKenna and O’Neill. With the momentum of August 8 and the potential for a Solheim Cup debut style fight, the future of Irish boxing is looking bright.
McKenna wants the biggest fights that will take him to the highest possible level. “I’m after the big fights… I would like a Callum Walsh sort of fight, a bigger fight. I want the biggest fights that’s going to take me to the highest possible level,” he added.
The Irish fans would go crazy for a fight like that, especially after the momentum of August 8. “Aaron’s going to become world champion, Callum Walsh is fighting on the bill, he gets the win, I get the win, it’s going to be very exciting for all of Irish boxing,” McKenna said.
It’s a real turn, and it’s going to be the start of a different level of fighting in Ireland. The McKenna family is poised to make a significant impact on the boxing scene, and their upcoming fights will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
They are looking to make a statement.
Watch Zuffa Boxing 10 this Saturday live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm.