Aaron McKenna, the newly crowned IBF middleweight champion, insists his journey is only beginning. After clinching the title with a decisive win over Etinosa Oliha at Dublin’s 3Arena, the Irish fighter made it clear he intends to follow in the footsteps of legends such as Canelo Álvarez and Gennadiy "GGG" Golovkin by establishing a dominant presence throughout the 160‑pound division.

In the post‑fight press conference McKenna outlined an ambitious roadmap that targets every other belt holder in the weight class. He named WBO champion Denzel Bentley, WBC holder Carlos Adames and WBA title‑holder Erislandy Lara as his next potential opponents, urging all top‑ranked middleweights to step up and face him.

"It doesn’t matter who’s next, whoever wants it – I’m easy to find now, I have a belt. There’s no hiding any more. I want to collect every single belt in boxing.

I’m the best middleweight and super‑middleweight in the world. I don’t mind moving up," he told Sky Sports. McKenna’s resolve stems from a lifelong dream.

"I’ve been thinking about this moment since I was six years old. It just goes to show, don’t give up, always stay true to yourself.

You can do anything," he said, underscoring the personal significance of finally standing on a world‑championship podium. The 27‑year‑old’s ambition stretches far beyond a single title defense; he envisions a unified middleweight division that finally restores the excitement that faded after Golovkin and Canelo began to drift away from the weight class. "The middleweight division’s there to be taken over. It’s been dying for years since GGG and Canelo left it.

I said it again, a year ago, I think I’m going to be the man to take it over," McKenna declared, emphasizing his belief that the era of fragmented championships can be ended by his willingness to fight anyone, anytime. He pointed to the golden age of the 1980s and 1990s, when champions regularly faced each other, as a model for the future. "Anyone.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I will literally fight anyone out there. I just want to unify, whatever it takes, prove I’m the best in the world. That’s the sport of boxing," he added. The fighter also praised the emerging role of Zuffa Boxing, noting that the promotion’s aggressive matchmaking is reshaping the sport.

"This is exactly why Zuffa Boxing’s going to be the future. It’s already taking over. Everybody’s fighting each other, there’s no more hiding," McKenna said, highlighting how a more transparent and competitive environment could accelerate his quest for unification. When asked about his immediate future, McKenna admitted he would relish a period of celebration before diving back into training.

"Twenty‑one years in the making," he reflected. "I don’t know how long this is going to take for this to seep in that this has finally happened, that I’ve become world champion. I’ve been dreaming of this. For it to happen now, honestly it’s literally unbelievable.

I can’t describe it." Beyond the personal triumph, McKenna is aware of the broader implications of his victory for Irish boxing and the sport at large. He believes his success can inspire a new generation of fighters from Dublin and beyond, proving that dedication and patience can eventually break through the often opaque world of title politics. By publicly challenging other champions, he hopes to force promoters, sanctioning bodies, and broadcasters to arrange the high‑profile matchups that fans have been clamoring for. In practical terms, McKenna’s next steps will involve negotiating with the camps of Bentley, Adames and Lara, each of whom holds a piece of the middleweight puzzle.

A unification bout with Bentley would bring the WBO belt into McKenna’s collection, while a clash with Adames could secure the WBC crown. The most complex negotiation may involve Lara, whose WBA title has historically been subject to multiple designations (Super, Regular, Interim). Nonetheless, McKenna’s confidence remains unwavering; he views any potential obstacle as a test rather than a deterrent. He also hinted at the possibility of moving up to super‑middleweight if the opportunity arises, echoing his earlier statement that he does not mind “jumping up.” This flexibility could open doors to fights with elite fighters in the 168‑pound division, further expanding his legacy.

Overall, Aaron McKenna’s proclamation is more than a simple brag; it is a strategic call to action aimed at revitalizing a weight class that has suffered from inactivity and fragmented titles. By positioning himself as the unifier and openly challenging every champion, he is setting the stage for a series of marquee events that could redefine middleweight boxing for years to come.