Aaron McKenna wins IBF middleweight title in Dublin
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Aaron McKenna dominated Etinosa Oliha over 12 rounds to win the vacant IBF middleweight world title at Zuffa Boxing 10 in Dublin, earning scorecards of 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112.
- McKenna neutralized Oliha's early speed and jab advantage by the third round, pushing him to the ropes and controlling distance for the remainder of the fight.
- Stevie McKenna, Aaron's brother, scored a big knockout on the prelims that the source notes may have outshined Aaron's main-event title win.
- Callum Walsh was dropped in Round 1 by Tyler Denny after a controversial sequence but came back to floor Denny in Round 2 and cruise to scores of 98-91, 98-91, and 96-90.
- Both Walsh and Denny had points deducted in Round 8 for excessive holding; Walsh was also cut over the left eye via an accidental head clash.
- Walsh, Zuffa Boxing's first 'big signing' and a long-time Dana White project, turned in a flat performance against a 21-4-3 opponent that the source says raises questions about his championship readiness.
Why it matters: McKenna's first world title gives Zuffa Boxing a legitimate belt-holder and sets up a natural all-Irish showdown with Walsh — but Walsh's ugly decision over a 21-4-3 fighter, marred by point deductions and a cut, undercuts the promotion's plan to build him into a headliner at this stage.
Ask SkimNews
