The McKenna household is buzzing with anticipation this week, and one family member can barely contain his enthusiasm. Aaron McKenna is set to contest the vacant IBF middleweight world championship against Etinosa Oliha in the headline bout of Zuffa Boxing 10, which will take place in Dublin on Saturday and be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
For the 27‑year‑old, who enters the ring with an unbeaten record, this fight represents not only the biggest challenge of his professional career but also his first appearance on Irish soil as a pro. The event therefore carries the weight of a homecoming, a chance for Aaron to prove himself in front of his own supporters and to cement his status as a world‑class middleweight. The night will also be a family affair at the 3Arena. Stephen "Stevie" McKenna will step into the undercard, squaring off against Owen O'Neill, before later joining his younger brother’s corner team.
"This is our big homecoming and a major night for Irish boxing. It’s going to be massive," Stevie said, noting that this will also be his debut as a professional in Ireland. "I want to be on the card because it’s such a historic event – Aaron fighting for a world middleweight title.
I want to be part of it all. I’m aiming for a knockout, and then I’ll be in the corner for my brother… that’s the plan." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with marquee match‑ups, and fans can catch the action through NOW’s contract‑free streaming service, tune into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, or scroll through the latest highlights and video clips. The McKenna brothers have spent more than two decades honing their craft together. "We’ve been boxing for 22 years – it’s a long time," Stephen reflected.
"Boxing has been a daily part of our lives. We’ve made countless sacrifices and lived the pure fighter’s lifestyle. Training together, sparring, pushing each other – that’s how we improve.
We’re competitive in everything, whether it’s football, darts or anything else. We always try to out‑do one another." While Stevie acknowledges that Saturday’s main attraction is Aaron’s title bid, he remains eager to stay in the spotlight.
He has repeatedly declared himself one of the sport’s most exciting entertainers and intends to live up to that reputation in his own middleweight bout against O’Neill. "This night is all about Aaron McKenna," he said.
"Sometimes I get too excited. My dad tells me to calm down, but I can’t help it. I love entertaining the crowd and giving them value for their money.
I think I’m probably the most exciting fighter to watch right now. There’s always something – fight‑of‑the‑year material, round‑of‑the‑year moments.
My last fight lasted just a minute, but a lot happened in that time. It will be another typical Stevie McKenna performance." Aaron, who currently sits at 16‑1 with 15 knockouts, is looking for his second win under the Zuffa banner after dispatching Casey Streeter in a single round on the Chris Billam‑Smith vs Ryan Rozicki undercard back in June. The 29‑year‑old is already eyeing future Irish match‑ups, including a potential clash with fellow Dublin‑born middleweight Callum Walsh.
"I’m after the big fights," Aaron explained. "I’d love a Callum Walsh‑type fight – a bigger bout that can take me to the highest level.
Irish fans would go wild, especially after the momentum we’ve built since August 8. If Aaron becomes world champion, Callum wins his fight, I win mine – it would be a massive boost for Irish boxing. It would signal a new era, a different level of competition in Ireland." The event will be aired live on Sky Sports Action from 7 p.m., with a later broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event starting at 8 p.m. Viewers can also stream the fight through Sky Sports’ online platform, ensuring that fans worldwide can witness this pivotal moment in Irish boxing history.
Beyond the immediate excitement, the night holds symbolic importance for the McKenna family. Their shared journey – from early mornings in the gym to international stages – underscores the deep bond that fuels their rivalry and camaraderie. As Aaron steps into the ring with a world title on the line, Stevie’s presence in the corner will be more than a familial gesture; it will be a testament to years of mutual support, relentless training, and an unwavering belief that together they can elevate Irish boxing to new heights. The anticipation is palpable, the stakes are high, and the McKenna brothers are ready to deliver a night of unforgettable action for fans in Dublin and beyond.