Eyes of the boxing world on McKenna

By Maitiú Monaghan

Monaghan native Aaron McKenna will become the latest in a long line of Irish boxers to step into the ring with a world-title on the line.

The Newbliss man faces the Italian Etinosa Oliga in the 3 Arena, Dublin on Saturday evening, for the vacant IBF middleweight title.

A large travelling crowd from Co. Monaghan is expected to arrive in Dublin from early in the day, with Aaron’s brother Stephen fighting Owen O’Neill on the undercard.

To date, ‘The Silencer’ has amassed an impressive 20-0 record, with 10 knockouts. McKenna’s world title bid comes off the back of a dominant performance against former world champion, Liam Smith at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium last year.

Although McKenna is the heavy favourite to bring the belt back to the Farney County, he won’t have it easy against Oliga. The Italian also has an unbeaten record; 22-0 and 10 knockouts.

The fight also offers McKenna an opportunity to boost his exposure in front of his fans. Saturday’s contest will be the 27-year-old’s first fight on Irish shores, an ambition he has been vocal about for quite some time.

The Silencer will also be front and centre on TV this weekend. The promoter of the fight, Zuffa Boxing, is founded by Dana White, from the UFC. The main card will be shown live on Sky Sports on Saturday from 7pm and includes some big names in Irish boxing- such as Joe Ward (fighting Artjom Kasparian) and Callum Walsh (Tyler Denny).

Sky Sports have indicated that McKenna’s ring walk may take place between 9-10.20pm on Saturday night, depending upon the duration of other bouts.