Stevie McKenna has made it clear that his next target is an all‑Irish clash with Callum Walsh, a prospect that has been amplified by his recent, dramatic knockout in Dublin, according to his promoter Mike Borao. The knockout came against Owen O'Neill, a bout that quickly went viral across social platforms, showcasing McKenna’s power and timing. The excitement surrounding his performance was further heightened when his younger brother, Aaron McKenna, was crowned the IBF middleweight champion on the same evening during the main event of Zuffa Boxing 10.
The same fight card also featured Callum Walsh, who maintained his unbeaten streak by edging out a gritty victory over Tyler Denny. Walsh’s win, coupled with McKenna’s electrifying finish, has set the stage for what many are calling a potential blockbuster matchup between the two Irish fighters.
Boraa told Sky Sports that McKenna is "locked in" on this fight and that the crowd’s reaction after his knockout made it obvious that fans are eager to see the two face each other. "Right now Stevie is focused on one fight – Callum Walsh – whether that takes place in a large arena in Ireland or across the Atlantic in New York.
That's all he talks about," Boraa explained. "When Stevie asked the audience what they wanted to see next, the response was overwhelming. It’s clear this bout would be a major draw." In addition to the Walsh fight, McKenna has hinted at being open to a step‑up bout against former WBA world champion Erislandy Lara, indicating that his ambitions extend beyond a domestic showdown.
Borao added that discussions with Zuffa’s leadership are ongoing, and that the promoter’s partnership has already delivered a world title for Aaron McKenna in a short period. "I’m confident a significant opportunity will follow for Stevie," Boraa said.
### McKenna’s Recent Momentum Since suffering his first professional loss on points to Lee Cutler in December 2024, McKenna has rebounded impressively. He recorded first‑round knockouts against both Owen O'Neill and Casey James Streeter in June, re‑establishing his reputation as a heavy‑handed puncher. These victories have not only restored his confidence but have also caught the attention of promoters and broadcasters alike. Borao, who previously arranged an IBF heavyweight title fight for Frank Sanchez and negotiated a WBA welterweight title bout for Teofimo Lopez against Rolly Romero, believes McKenna is on the cusp of his own major opportunity.
"Zuffa and Sky Sports have been phenomenal for Aaron and Stevie’s careers," he said. "The involvement of Dana White and the Zuffa organization in supporting these athletes is unprecedented. Neither Aaron nor Stevie have ever received this level of backing before." ### The Potential Walsh‑McKenna Clash A McKenna‑Walsh fight would pit two rising Irish talents against each other, each with a distinct style.
McKenna, known for his aggressive pressure and knockout power, would bring a relentless offensive approach. Walsh, meanwhile, has demonstrated technical proficiency and resilience, having survived a tough fight against Denny. Analysts predict that the bout could attract a sizeable audience both in Ireland and internationally, especially if it is staged in a major venue such as Dublin’s Aviva Stadium or New York’s Madison Square Garden. If the fight materializes, it could serve as a stepping stone for both fighters toward world‑title contention.
For McKenna, a victory would solidify his claim as a top contender in the middleweight division and potentially open doors to a clash with established champions like Erislandy Lara. For Walsh, defeating a high‑profile opponent like McKenna would elevate his ranking and increase his bargaining power for future title opportunities. ### Broader Context and Upcoming Events The McKenna brothers’ rise coincides with a resurgence of interest in boxing across Europe and the United States. Zuffa Boxing, under the leadership of Dana White, has been instrumental in providing a platform for emerging talent, offering televised events on Sky Sports and streaming services.
This exposure has helped fighters like Stevie and Aaron secure lucrative contracts and build fan bases. Fans can also look forward to other high‑profile fights on the horizon. For instance, the MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, headlined by a bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on August 29.
The card also includes a fight featuring Caroline Dubois, adding further allure for boxing enthusiasts. ### Looking Ahead Stevie McKenna’s focus on a Walsh showdown reflects his ambition to cement himself as a dominant force in the middleweight division. With a series of first‑round knockouts, a viral moment that captured the imagination of fans, and a supportive promotional team behind him, McKenna appears poised for a significant next step.
Whether the fight takes place in Ireland or New York, the anticipation is palpable, and the boxing community is eager to see how this potential rivalry will unfold. The next few months will be crucial for both McKenna and Walsh as they finalize negotiations, train for what could become a career‑defining encounter, and continue to build their profiles on the global stage.
As the buzz grows, one thing is certain: the McKenna‑Walsh showdown promises to be a must‑watch event for anyone following the sport’s rising stars.