Aaron McKenna fights Etinosa Oliha for the vacant IBF middleweight world title at the 3Arena in Dublin as boxing experts predict the main showdowns.
The undercard features Callum Walsh taking on Tyler Denny in a middleweight contest at Zuffa Boxing 10. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm, with contract-free streaming available on NOW. McKenna expressed full confidence ahead of his title clash. "Once I become world champion I'm going to take over," McKenna said, believing he will announce himself to the world as a new champion.
Expert Predictions for the Title Bout
Former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith picked McKenna to win, likely on points, though he noted McKenna could overwhelm Oliha. "McKenna's got so much to his game I think," Billam-Smith said. "He's shown he can box a bit but he's got an intensity and a workrate. He punches hard enough to get people's respect. We saw a lot from him in the Liam Smith fight, of what he can do."
Former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson predicted an inside-the-distance victory for McKenna in the first half of the fight. "His engine, his pace will be too much," Nelson said. "Oliha can't afford to get hit too easily because McKenna won't leave you alone. It's a good fight, especially for McKenna boxing in Dublin for the first time in his professional career."
Heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher highlighted McKenna's American training base and amateur background ahead of his homecoming bout. "Tremendous amateur record, hopefully that pedigree comes through," Fisher said. "I think this crowd will give him that extra lift. If he uses that crowd and doesn't let it be detrimental to him, that's what's going to carry him over the line." Middleweight contender Callum Walsh also backed McKenna, saying, "I presume that Aaron will win. It's a big night, a big opportunity for him to go out there and perform and to win the world title in Dublin. I think he will."
Support From Irish Middleweights
Middleweight contender Connor Coyle predicted a points victory for McKenna to become the IBF world champion on Saturday night. "I know McKenna's boxing, I've known him growing up through Irish boxing," Coyle said. "That's why I know he's a good boxer."
Middleweight prospect Sam Hickey noted Oliha's quality but picked McKenna to win. "Oliha, he's obviously a good level but I think Aaron McKenna will get the job done," Hickey said. "Aaron's a good fighter. He's got pedigree. It's kind of a new breed of middleweight coming through."
Cruiserweight prospect Patrick O'Connor tipped McKenna to win by decision or late stoppage, calling a world title a big moment for Irish boxing. Middleweight fighter Owen O'Neill, who has sparred with McKenna, also predicted a points win. "He's a very technical boxer, he's very smart and he's very good," O'Neill said. "I've been in there with him and he's tall, he's got big arms and he punches hard too."
Callum Walsh Against Tyler Denny
In the undercard co-feature, Callum Walsh meets former European champion Tyler Denny. Walsh is relishing the chance to perform in front of home fans at the 3Arena and insists he is not complacent, while Denny remains confident he can cause an upset.
Billam-Smith called the matchup interesting, pointing out Denny's breakout win over Brad Rea. "I know Tyler, I've watched him a lot over the years and he always brings it," Billam-Smith said. "And if you're not on your game and you switch off and your head's elsewhere, he'll beat you." He added that Denny is not affected by losses and comes back strong, making the fight difficult to call.
Nelson leaned toward Denny winning on points, describing the bout as a test of Walsh's desire. "On paper you'd lean towards Walsh because of where he's at in his career, but then you look at what Tyler Denny's done, the heads he's snatched because they've looked through him, looked past him," Nelson said. "This is going to be a test of Walsh's heart, Walsh's desire. Because Tyler Denny is not one of those guys that folds easily."
Fisher picked Walsh to win if he establishes his jab and fights at range, but praised Denny's tenacity. "Denny can very quickly make a fight go on to his terms in a positive way for him," Fisher said. "If he drags you into that sort of fight it's going to be a hard night's work." Prospect Sam Hickey noted Denny can make opponents look average, pointing to Denny's close fight with George Liddard, and stated the fight will show whether Walsh's power carries as he steps up levels after making his career in America.
Undercard Stakes and Future Fights
Stevie McKenna stated he is determined to set up an all-Ireland clash against Walsh if both win at Zuffa Boxing 10. Middleweight contender Connor Coyle noted Walsh is moving up from 154lb and questioned his power at middleweight. "I can't predict that one," Coyle said. "But after I take care of business on Saturday I'll be ready for whoever they want."
Cruiserweight prospect Patrick O'Connor predicted Walsh will win by decision and go all the way, noting he plans to start the show with a big knockout himself. Middleweight fighter Owen O'Neill predicted a knockout win for Walsh. "I've watched Callum and I think he'll knock him out," O'Neill said. "I just know how good Callum is. Denny is very experienced. I suppose this is Callum's big test with someone who's been in there and done it."
