The McKenna family is gearing up for a momentous weekend, and one member in particular 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 at Dublin's 3Arena this Saturday, with live coverage on Sky Sports. For the unbeaten 27‑year‑old, this fight marks a career milestone: it is not only the biggest challenge he has faced to date, but also his inaugural professional appearance on Irish soil.
The event therefore carries the weight of a homecoming that could redefine his trajectory in the sport. The evening promises to be a true family affair. Stephen "Stevie" McKenna will step into the ring earlier in the night to face Owen O'Neill on the undercard, and afterward he will slip into the corner to support his younger brother.
"This is our big homecoming and a huge night for Irish boxing. It's going to be massive," Stevie explained, noting that this will also be his first professional bout in Ireland.
"I want to be on the card because it's such a historic event – Aaron fighting for a world middleweight title – and I want to be part of it," he added. "My plan is to go in, get a knockout, and then be there in the corner for my brother." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is packed with marquee match‑ups, and fans can catch the action contract‑free through NOW, tune into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, or scroll through the latest highlights and videos. The McKennas, however, are more than just participants in the sport; they are a tight‑knit brotherhood whose lives revolve around the sweet science. "We've been boxing for 22 years," Stephen said, reflecting on the long road the siblings have travelled.
"Boxing is in our blood – every day of our lives, it has been the focus. We've made countless sacrifices and lived the life of pure fighters.
We train together, spar together, and push each other constantly." That competitive spark extends beyond the gym. Whether it’s football, darts, or any other pastime, the brothers are always trying to outdo one another. "We’re very competitive with each other.
No matter what it is, we always want to be the better one," Stephen noted. While Stevie acknowledges that Saturday night ultimately revolves around Aaron’s quest for the world title, his own flamboyant personality is never far from the spotlight. He has repeatedly claimed to be among the most exciting fighters on the planet and vows to live up to that reputation in his middleweight clash with O'Neill. "This night is all about Aaron," he said.
"Sometimes I'm too exciting – my dad tells me to tone it down, but I can’t help it. I love entertaining people and giving them value for their money. I think I’m probably the most thrilling fighter to watch right now." Stevie recounted his recent bout, which lasted a single minute yet was packed with action. "There was a lot happening in that minute – fight‑of‑the‑year material, round‑of‑the‑year moments.
It will just be another typical Stevie McKenna performance," he declared. Aaron, who currently sits at 16‑1 with 15 knockouts, is chasing his second victory under the Zuffa Boxing banner after demolishing Casey Streeter in one round on the Chris Billam‑Smith vs Ryan Rozicki undercard in June. The 29‑year‑old is confident that the night in Dublin will produce further Irish triumphs, not only for himself but also for his brother and for fellow middleweight Callum Walsh, whose name has already been floated as Aaron’s next opponent.
"I’m after the big fights," Aaron said. "I’d love a Callum Walsh‑type fight – something massive that propels me to the highest level.
The Irish fans would go crazy for that, especially after the momentum we’ll build on August 8." He painted a vivid picture of a future where both brothers emerge victorious: "Aaron becomes world champion, Callum Walsh wins his bout, I win mine – it will be a thrilling night for Irish boxing. It will signal a new era, a turning point that elevates the sport in Ireland to a whole new level." Fans can tune in to Zuffa Boxing 10 this Saturday, with Sky Sports Action broadcasting from 7 p.m. and Sky Sports Main Event from 8 p.m.
Those without a traditional subscription can stream the event via Sky Sports’ contract‑free boxing service. The night promises high drama, family pride, and the potential birth of a new Irish champion, making it a must‑watch for anyone who loves the sport.