Stevie McKenna has made it clear that his next target is an all‑Irish showdown with Callum Walsh, a fight that could take place in a major arena either in Ireland or in New York, according to his manager Mike Borao. The determination follows a spectacular knockout performance that captured the attention of fans across social media platforms. In Dublin, McKenna delivered a dramatic first‑round stoppage against Owen O'Neill, a moment that quickly went viral and heightened expectations for his future bouts. The excitement surrounding McKenna’s rise was amplified by the fact that his younger brother, Aaron McKenna, was crowned the IBF middleweight champion on the same card – the Zuffa Boxing 10 event held on Saturday.
Aaron’s title win in the main event added a familial dimension to the night’s success and underscored the McKenna family’s growing influence in the sport. While Aaron celebrated his triumph, Stevie was already looking ahead, eyeing a potential clash with fellow Irishman Callum Walsh, who had just preserved his unbeaten record with a hard‑fought victory over Tyler Denny on the same evening. Borao told Sky Sports that Stevie is "locked in" on the Walsh fight, describing it as the only bout the boxer is currently focused on.
"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 said. He added that the crowd’s reaction after McKenna’s knockout, and the boxer’s own question about what fans wanted to see next, made it evident that a McKenna‑Walsh encounter would be a marquee attraction for the sport.
Beyond the Walsh showdown, Borao hinted that McKenna is open to taking on even bigger challenges, including a possible fight against WBA world champion Erislandy Lara. "Stevie has even mentioned to me that he would be open to stepping up against [WBA world champion] Erislandy Lara next," Borao explained. The manager emphasized that the next steps will be discussed with Zuffa, the promotion company that has already facilitated Aaron’s rapid ascent to a world title. "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 performance marks a significant resurgence after a setback in December 2024, when he suffered his first career loss on points to Lee Cutler. Since then, he has rebounded with emphatic first‑round knockouts over both Owen O'Neill and Casey James Streeter in June, re‑establishing himself as a force in the middleweight division.
These victories have not only restored his confidence but also positioned him as a contender for larger, high‑profile fights. Borao’s track record as a manager further bolsters McKenna’s prospects. He previously secured an IBF world heavyweight title fight for Frank Sanchez and arranged a WBA welterweight title bout for Teofimo Lopez against Rolly Romero later in the month.
His experience and connections within the boxing world have been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of title opportunities. "Zuffa and Sky Sports have been incredible for Aaron and Stevie's careers," Borao remarked, highlighting the pivotal role that the promotion and broadcaster have played in providing exposure and support. The manager also praised the involvement of Dana White and Zuffa, noting that such backing is rare for fighters at this stage of their careers. "It's remarkable how involved Dana White and Zuffa are in backing their athletes.
Aaron and Stevie have never received this type of support," he said, underscoring the unique partnership that has helped the brothers ascend quickly. Looking ahead, Borao believes that McKenna’s recent knockout has cemented his status as "must‑see TV" and that the best is still to come. The anticipation surrounding a potential McKenna‑Walsh bout is already building, with fans eager to see two Irish talents clash in a high‑stakes environment.
Whether the fight lands in Dublin’s iconic stadiums or across the Atlantic in New York, the matchup promises to deliver a compelling narrative of national pride, family legacy, and boxing excellence. In addition to the McKenna storyline, Sky Sports is promoting other major events, such as the MVPW‑06 card in Birmingham on August 29, featuring a headline bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. Boxing enthusiasts can watch these events live on Sky Sports or stream them without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility for fans worldwide.
Overall, Stevie McKenna’s trajectory illustrates a blend of raw talent, strategic management, and timely opportunities. His recent knockout not only revived his momentum after a previous loss but also set the stage for a potentially historic Irish showdown with Callum Walsh. With the backing of Zuffa, Sky Sports, and a manager experienced in navigating championship pathways, McKenna appears poised to capitalize on his current form and pursue greater accolades in the middleweight division.
The forthcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Walsh clash materializes and how McKenna’s career will evolve from this pivotal moment.