The McKenna household is buzzing with anticipation as a pivotal weekend approaches, and one family member can barely contain his enthusiasm. Aaron McKenna is set to contest the vacant IBF middleweight world championship against Etinosa Oliha, a bout that will headline Zuffa Boxing 10 in Dublin this Saturday and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
For the 27‑year‑old, who remains unbeaten, this match represents the most significant challenge of his career to date. It also marks his first professional fight on home soil, turning the event into a true homecoming that could define his future in the sport. The 3Arena will host a family‑centric card, with Aaron's older brother Stephen (known as Stevie) stepping into the ring earlier in the evening to face Owen O'Neill on the undercard.
After his own fight, Stevie will then join Aaron's corner, adding an extra layer of brotherly support to the night. "This is our big homecoming and a massive night for Irish boxing," Stevie exclaimed, noting that it will also be his debut as a professional on Irish turf.
"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 aim to finish my bout with a knockout and then be right there 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 now stream fights without a contract through the NOW platform.
In addition, the weekly Toe2Toe podcast offers in‑depth analysis, while highlight reels showcase the sport's most electrifying moments. The McKenna brothers are a tight‑knit duo whose lives revolve around the squared circle.
Their competitive nature extends beyond the ropes, spilling over into everyday activities. "We've been boxing together for 22 years," 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 together—it's always been a partnership. And off‑stage, we're just as competitive. Whether it's football, darts, or anything else, we constantly try to outdo each other." Fans can stay updated by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, features, and expert analysis.
While Stevie acknowledges that Saturday night ultimately centers on his brother's title chase, his own flamboyant personality is never far from the spotlight. He has proclaimed himself one of the sport's most entertaining competitors and promises to deliver a thrilling performance in his middleweight showdown with O'Neill. "This night is all about Aaron," Stevie said.
"Sometimes I'm too exciting—my dad often asks me to tone it down, but I just 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. Every bout has the potential for fight‑of‑the‑year or round‑of‑the‑year material. My last fight lasted only a minute, but there was a lot happening in that short span. It will be another classic Stevie McKenna display." Aaron, who currently sits at 16‑1 with 15 knockouts, is seeking his second victory under the Zuffa Boxing banner after demolishing Casey Streeter in a single round on his debut, which appeared on the Chris Billam‑Smith vs.
Ryan Rozicki undercard in June. Looking ahead, the 29‑year‑old envisions further Irish triumphs on Saturday, not just for himself but also for his brother and fellow middleweight Callum Walsh, whom Aaron hopes to face next.
"I'm after the big fights," he explained. "A Callum Walsh‑type matchup would be massive—a fight that propels me to the highest level. Irish fans would go wild for that, especially after the momentum we build on August 8.
If Aaron becomes world champion, Callum wins his bout, and I secure my victory, it will be an exhilarating night for Irish boxing. This could spark a new era of high‑level competition in Ireland." Zuffa Boxing 10 will be available live on Sky Sports Action starting at 7 p.m., with a later broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event at 8 p.m.
Viewers can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the event contract‑free via the NOW service to catch all the action.