Stevie McKenna is laser‑focused on a potential all‑Irish clash with Callum Walsh, a prospect that has been amplified by his recent dramatic knockout in Dublin, according to his manager Mike Borao. The knockout, which saw McKenna dispatch Owen O'Neill in spectacular fashion, quickly spread across social media platforms, generating a wave of excitement among boxing fans. The bout took place on the same card where McKenna's younger brother, Aaron, captured the IBF middleweight title during the main event of Zuffa Boxing 10 on Saturday, adding a family triumph to an already electric night.
On that same evening, Walsh maintained his unbeaten streak by edging out Tyler Denny in a gritty, hard‑fought contest. The victory has positioned Walsh as a logical next opponent for McKenna, setting the stage for what could become a marquee matchup that captures the imagination of the Irish boxing community and beyond. "At the moment, Stevie is locked on one fight – Callum Walsh – in a major stadium in Ireland or New York.
It's all he talks about," Borao told Sky Sports, emphasizing the singular focus McKenna has placed on this potential encounter. The reaction from the crowd after McKenna's knockout was telling. When the fighter asked the audience what they wanted to see next, the response was a resounding demand for a Walsh‑McKenna showdown. "The crowd's reaction after the fight, when Stevie asked if that's what they wanted to see next, made it clear this would be a major attraction," Borao explained.
The enthusiasm in the arena suggests that a McKenna‑Walsh bout could draw significant attention, possibly filling a stadium in Dublin or even attracting a large venue in New York, where the Irish diaspora would likely turn out in force. Beyond Walsh, McKenna has hinted at an even bigger challenge: a potential fight against WBA world champion Erislandy Lara. "Stevie has even mentioned to me that he would be open to stepping up against [WBA world champion] Erislandy Lara next," Borao disclosed.
This openness to face an established world champion indicates McKenna's ambition to accelerate his rise through the middleweight ranks and secure his place among the sport's elite. The next steps will involve strategic discussions with Zuffa Boxing, the promotion that has been instrumental in the McKenna brothers' recent successes. "We'll sit with our partners at Zuffa and decide what's next for Stevie.
They've been outstanding. That relationship already delivered a world title for Aaron in short order, and I have no doubt a major opportunity will follow for Stevie," Borao said, underscoring the importance of the promotional partnership in shaping McKenna's career trajectory. McKenna's recent performance marks a resurgence after a setback earlier in his career.
Since his first professional loss—a points decision to Lee Cutler in December 2024—McKenna has rebounded with two first‑round knockouts, first over O'Neill and then against Casey James Streeter in June. These swift victories have re‑established him as a formidable force in the middleweight division and have reignited interest from fans and promoters alike. Borao's track record as a manager adds further credibility to McKenna's prospects. He previously secured an IBF world heavyweight title bout for Frank Sanchez and orchestrated a WBA welterweight title fight for Teofimo Lopez against Rolly Romero later this month.
"Zuffa and Sky Sports have been incredible for Aaron and Stevie's careers," Borao remarked, highlighting the synergy between the promotion, the broadcaster, and the fighters. The support from Zuffa and its owner Dana White has been particularly noteworthy. "It's remarkable how involved Dana White and Zuffa are in backing their athletes.
Aaron and Stevie have never received this type of support," Borao noted, pointing to the unprecedented level of resources and promotion being allocated to the brothers. Looking ahead, Borao believes McKenna's marketability is only beginning to blossom.
"Stevie is must‑see TV – his latest knockout proved it, but the best is yet to come!" he said, suggesting that the upcoming months could bring even bigger fights, broader exposure, and perhaps a title shot on the horizon. Fans eager to catch more action can tune in to upcoming events such as MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, headlined by a bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on August 29, and viewers can either subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the boxing coverage without a contract.
This continued exposure to high‑profile fights helps maintain momentum for the sport and keeps audiences engaged with rising stars like Stevie McKenna, who are poised to become the next big attraction in middleweight boxing.