Aaron McKenna produced a composed and dominant performance against previously unbeaten Etinosa Oliha to claim the IBF world middleweight title in his first professional fight on Irish soil at Dublin’s 3Arena.
The Monaghan fighter extended his perfect professional record to 21-0 after controlling much of the 12-round contest to claim a unanimous decision victory at Zuffa Boxing 10.
McKenna earned scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 on the judges’ scorecards to hand the now 22-1 Italian his first professional defeat.
Afterwards, McKenna reflected on fulfilling a childhood ambition after nine years as a professional without fighting in Ireland.
“A new world champion. I said it for years,” McKenna told Sky Sports.
“Since I was six years old, I thought about this moment my whole life, so for it to finally happen at 27, it goes to show everyone, don’t give up, always stay true to yourself, and you can do anything.”
McKenna admitted Oliha provided a sterner challenge than expected and welcomed all challengers.
“Oliha was definitely strong. I made it harder than it should have been, but I got the job done.
“It doesn’t matter [who’s next], anyone. I’m easy to find now that I have a belt. I want to collect every belt in boxing. I’m the best middleweight in the world, and super-middleweight; I don’t mind jumping up either.”
Oliha began positively and applied pressure during the cagey opening rounds, enjoying particular success in the second as McKenna looked to establish his jab from the back foot.
McKenna, known as ‘The Silencer’ gradually found his rhythm, repeatedly landing his jab and uppercut while using his range effectively to avoid Oliha’s heavier attacks.
The 27-year-old increasingly took control, forcing Oliha onto the ropes and landing combinations to the head and body.
Oliha continued to march forward, but McKenna’s movement and defence largely nullified the Italian’s pressure as he continued to land the cleaner shots.
A clash of heads left McKenna bleeding in the 11th, but he remained composed and landed several clean shots in response.
Oliha pushed forward in search of a dramatic finish in the final round, but McKenna continued to frustrate him with his jab before the final bell prompted celebrations from the Dublin crowd.