The McKenna family is gearing up for a momentous week, and one of the brothers can barely contain his excitement. 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 be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
For the 27‑year‑old, who remains unbeaten, this fight represents the biggest test of his professional career to date, and it also marks his inaugural appearance on Irish soil as a pro boxer. The event promises a homecoming of epic proportions, with the arena packed with fans eager to witness a potential new world champion emerge from their own backyard. Adding to the familial atmosphere, the 3Arena will also host a preliminary clash featuring Stephen "Stevie" McKenna, who will take on Owen O'Neill on the undercard before stepping into his younger brother's corner for the main event. "This is our big homecoming and a massive night for Irish boxing," Stevie said, noting that this will be his first professional fight in Ireland as well.
"I want to be on the card because it's such a historic occasion—Aaron fighting for a world middleweight title. I want to be part of it all.
I aim to finish my own bout with a knockout and then support Aaron from the corner. That's my plan." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is filled with marquee match‑ups, and fans can follow the action through various platforms, including NOW for contract‑free streaming and the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for in‑depth analysis. Highlights and fight clips are also widely available for those who crave the sport's most electrifying moments.
The McKenna brothers have been immersed in the sport for more than two decades. "We've been boxing 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, and constantly pushing each other have shaped who we are. Whether it's boxing, football, darts, or anything else, we always try to outdo one another." While Stephen acknowledges that Saturday night ultimately revolves around Aaron's title quest, he remains a charismatic figure who thrives in the spotlight.
He has proclaimed himself one of the sport's most entertaining competitors and vows to live up to that reputation in his own middleweight bout against O'Neill. "This night is all about Aaron McKenna," Stephen declared.
"Sometimes I'm too exciting. My dad often tells me to rein it in, 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 happening—fight‑of‑the‑year contenders, round‑of‑the‑year material. My last fight lasted only a minute, but a lot happened in that minute.
It will just be another typical Stevie McKenna performance." Stevie’s record stands at 16 wins, 1 loss, with 15 victories by knockout. He is seeking his second win under the Zuffa Boxing banner after demolishing Casey Streeter in a single round on the Chris Billam‑Smith vs Ryan Rozicki undercard back in June. The 29‑year‑old is already looking ahead to future Irish match‑ups, eyeing a potential showdown with fellow Dublin native Callum Walsh. "I'm after the big fights," he said.
"I’d love a Callum Walsh‑type bout—a bigger fight that propels me to the highest level. Irish fans would go crazy for that, especially after the momentum we’ll build on August 8. If Aaron becomes world champion, Callum wins his fight, and I secure my victory, it will be a thrilling night for Irish boxing.
It will mark a turning point, the beginning of a new era for the sport in Ireland." The event will be available live on Sky Sports Action starting at 7 p.m., with a subsequent broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event from 8 p.m. Viewers can also stream the fight through Sky Sports' online platform, ensuring that fans worldwide can witness what could be a historic night for Irish boxing.