Stevie McKenna has zeroed in on a potential all‑Irish clash with Callum Walsh, a prospect that has been amplified by his recent, electrifying knockout in Dublin, according to his long‑time manager Mike Bora Borao. The knockout—against Owen O'Neill—quickly became a social‑media sensation, garnering millions of views and igniting a buzz that has only intensified interest in a possible bout between the two Irish fighters. The night of the viral KO was part of the Zuffa Boxing 10 card, a high‑profile event that also featured a family milestone: Stevie’s younger brother Aaron McKenna captured the IBF middleweight title in the main event. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans chanting and celebrating both victories.
On the same evening, Callum Walsh preserved his unbeaten record by out‑working Tyler Denny in a gritty, hard‑fought encounter, positioning himself as a logical next opponent for Stevie. "Right now Stevie’s mind is fixed on one fight – a showdown with Callum Walsh, whether that happens in a packed stadium in Ireland or under the bright lights of New York. He can’t stop talking about it," Borao told Sky Sports.
"After the fight, the crowd’s reaction was deafening. When Stevie asked the fans what they wanted to see next, the response was crystal clear – they want to see him and Walsh square off." Borao added that McKenna has also expressed openness to testing himself against a world‑class opponent such as WBA champion Erislandy Lara, should the right opportunity arise. "We’ll sit down with our partners at Zuffa and map out the next steps for Stevie.
Their support has already delivered a world title for Aaron in record time, and I’m confident a comparable chance will come for Stevie soon," he said. ### The Path to Middleweight Supremacy Stevie McKenna’s recent run of first‑round knockouts has re‑established him as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. After suffering his first professional loss on points to Lee Cutler in December 2024, McKenna rebounded with emphatic victories over Owen O'Neill and Casey James Streeter in June, both ending inside the opening round. These performances have not only restored his confidence but also sent a clear message to the division: he is back and hungrier than ever.
The knockout over O'Neill was particularly noteworthy for its speed and precision. McKenna slipped a jab, followed with a crisp left hook that sent O'Neill sprawling, and then finished the bout with a powerful right hand that dropped his opponent before he could even rise. The clip of the finish went viral, circulating across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where it accumulated over two million views within 48 hours.
The reaction was immediate—fans and pundits alike praised McKenna’s power and timing, dubbing him the next big thing in Irish boxing. ### Managerial Expertise Behind the Scenes Mike Borao’s role in shaping the McKenna brothers’ careers cannot be overstated.
He previously negotiated an IBF heavyweight title fight for Frank Sanchez and orchestrated a WBA welterweight title bout for Teofimo Lopez against Rolly Romero later this month. His track record of securing high‑profile match‑ups has earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s most savvy promoters. "Zuffa and Sky Sports have been phenomenal for both Aaron and Stevie," Borao remarked. "The involvement of Dana White and the Zuffa organization in supporting our athletes is unprecedented.
Neither brother has ever experienced that level of backing before." Borao believes that McKenna’s recent knockout is just the beginning of a larger narrative. "Stevie is must‑see TV – his latest KO proved it, but the best is still ahead," he said, hinting at the possibility of a marquee fight that could elevate McKenna to global stardom. ### Looking Ahead: Walsh vs.
McKenna? The potential Walsh‑McKenna fight carries significant intrigue beyond the Irish rivalry. Both fighters are undefeated in their recent outings and possess contrasting styles—Walsh’s technical precision versus McKenna’s raw power. A bout in Dublin would tap into a passionate local fan base, while a New York venue could expand their international profiles and attract lucrative broadcast deals.
If the fight materializes, negotiations will likely involve Zuffa Boxing, Sky Sports, and possibly other broadcasters seeking to capitalize on the story. The promotional angle—two Irish warriors battling for supremacy—offers a compelling narrative that could draw in casual viewers as well as hardcore boxing fans. ### Additional Opportunities While the Walsh matchup remains the focal point, McKenna’s openness to a fight with Erislandy Lara suggests he is not limiting his options. Lara, a seasoned WBA champion with a reputation for technical brilliance, would present a stark stylistic challenge and a chance for McKenna to prove himself on a world‑title stage.
Such a fight could be arranged either as a direct title challenge or as a high‑stakes non‑title bout that would still boost McKenna’s ranking. ### Upcoming Events Fans eager to catch more action can tune in to the upcoming MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham on August 29, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and viewers can stream the fights without a contract through the Sky Sports platform. In summary, Stevie McKenna’s recent knockout has catapulted him back into the spotlight, and his manager’s clear focus on a Walsh showdown underscores the strategic planning behind his next move.
With strong backing from Zuffa, Sky Sports, and a supportive fan base, McKenna appears poised to embark on the next chapter of his career—one that could see him dominate the middleweight division and perhaps claim a world title in the near future.