Stevie McKenna is laser‑focused on a potential all‑Irish clash with Callum Walsh following a sensational knockout victory in Dublin, according to his manager Mike Borao. The young fighter captured the imagination of fans when he dispatched Owen O'Neill with a spectacular one‑punch finish that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The knockout came on the same evening that McKenna’s younger brother, Aaron, secured the IBF middleweight championship in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 10, adding even more excitement to the night’s proceedings. The card also featured Walsh, who defended his unbeaten record with a gritty, hard‑fought win over Tyler Denny.
That performance has set the stage for what could become a high‑profile showdown between the two Irish prospects. "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. "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 added that McKenna has even expressed interest in testing himself against a seasoned world champion, specifically WBA title‑holder Erislandy Lara, if the opportunity arises.
"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," he said. McKenna’s recent resurgence has been dramatic.
After a points loss to Lee Cutler in December 2024, he returned to the ring in June with back‑to‑back first‑round knockouts – first over Owen O'Neill and then against Casey James Streeter. Both victories showcased his explosive power, precision timing, and an ability to finish fights before the bell rings.
The O'Neill knockout, in particular, resonated online, accumulating thousands of views and shares within hours and cementing McKenna’s status as a must‑watch talent in the middleweight division. Borao, a seasoned manager who has previously secured an IBF heavyweight title bout for Frank Sanchez and arranged a WBA welterweight title fight for Teofimo Lopez against Rolly Romero, believes McKenna is poised for a similar breakthrough. "Zuffa and Sky Sports have been incredible for Aaron and Stevie’s careers," he noted. "It’s remarkable how involved Dana White and Zuffa are in backing their athletes.
Aaron and Stevie have never received this type of support." The manager’s confidence is reflected in the broader strategic plans for McKenna’s career. With the Zuffa Boxing partnership already delivering a world title for his brother, the organization is expected to leverage its resources and media reach to position Stevie for a marquee bout. Whether that fight takes place in a packed Irish arena or on a New York stage, the anticipation is palpable among fans and pundits alike. Beyond the immediate Walsh showdown, McKenna’s camp is also entertaining the idea of a clash with veteran Erislandy Lara.
Lara, a seasoned campaigner with multiple world titles, would provide McKenna with a high‑caliber test and a chance to prove his mettle on a global scale. Such a matchup would not only elevate McKenna’s profile but also offer a compelling narrative: a rising Irish star challenging an established Latin American champion.
The potential McKenna‑Walsh fight carries additional intrigue because both fighters hail from the same country, promising a rivalry that could capture the imagination of the Irish boxing community. Historically, all‑Irish bouts have drawn massive crowds and generated significant media attention, from the legendary rivalry between Barry McGuigan and Steve Collins to more recent encounters featuring Conor McGregor’s forays into boxing.
A McKenna‑Walsh clash would fit neatly into this tradition, offering a fresh chapter for Irish boxing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the upcoming Zuffa Boxing event in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron and featuring Caroline Dubois, underscores the organization’s commitment to delivering high‑quality fight cards across both genders.
The event, scheduled for August 29 on Sky Sports, also provides a platform for rising talent to gain exposure. Fans can stream the event without a contract, further expanding the reach of Zuffa’s brand. In summary, Stevie McKenna’s recent knockout spree, coupled with his manager’s strategic vision and the backing of heavyweight promoters like Zuffa and Sky Sports, sets the stage for a potentially career‑defining fight against Callum Walsh. Whether the bout lands in Dublin’s iconic stadiums or across the Atlantic in New York, the boxing world will be watching closely.
McKenna’s blend of power, speed, and marketable personality makes him a compelling figure, and his next steps could very well shape the middleweight landscape for years to come.