Aaron McKenna produced a composed and dominant efficiency in opposition to beforehand unbeaten Etinosa Oliha to assert the IBF world middleweight title in his first skilled combat on Irish soil at Dublin’s 3Arena.
The Monaghan fighter prolonged his excellent skilled document to 21-0 after controlling a lot of the 12-round contest to assert a unanimous determination victory at Zuffa Boxing 10.
McKenna earned scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 on the judges’ scorecards handy the now 22-1 Italian his first skilled defeat.
Afterwards, McKenna mirrored on fulfilling a childhood ambition after 9 years as knowledgeable with out combating in Eire.
“A brand new world champion. I mentioned it for years,” McKenna advised Sky Sports activities.
“Since I used to be six years previous, I considered this second my entire life, so for it to lastly occur at 27, it goes to point out everybody, do not hand over, all the time keep true to your self, and you are able to do something.”
McKenna admitted Oliha offered a sterner problem than anticipated and welcomed all challengers.
“Oliha was undoubtedly sturdy. I made it more durable than it ought to have been, however I obtained the job carried out.
“It would not matter [who’s next], anybody. I am straightforward to search out now that I’ve a belt. I need to acquire each belt in boxing. I am the perfect middleweight on this planet, and super-middleweight; I do not thoughts leaping up both.”
Oliha started positively and utilized stress in the course of the cagey opening rounds, having fun with specific success within the second as McKenna appeared to determine his jab from the again foot.
McKenna, referred to as ‘The Silencer’ steadily discovered his rhythm, repeatedly touchdown his jab and uppercut whereas utilizing his vary successfully to keep away from Oliha’s heavier assaults.
The 27-year-old more and more took management, forcing Oliha onto the ropes and touchdown mixtures to the top and physique.
Oliha continued to march ahead, however McKenna’s motion and defence largely nullified the Italian’s stress as he continued to land the cleaner pictures.
A conflict of heads left McKenna bleeding within the eleventh, however he remained composed and landed a number of clear pictures in response.
Oliha pushed ahead looking for a dramatic end within the closing spherical, however McKenna continued to frustrate him together with his jab earlier than the ultimate bell prompted celebrations from the Dublin crowd.
