Stevie McKenna has made it clear that his next target is an all‑Irish clash with Callum Walsh, a prospect that his manager Mike Borao says the fighter is "locked in" on after a dramatic win in Dublin that quickly went viral on social media. The knockout that McKenna delivered against Owen O'Neill captured the attention of fans and commentators alike, and the buzz surrounding the bout has only intensified the anticipation for a potential showdown with Walsh. The night of the viral knockout was part of the Zuffa Boxing 10 card, an event that also featured a major milestone for McKenna's younger brother, Aaron.
Aaron was crowned the IBF middleweight champion in the main event, adding a family triumph to an already electric atmosphere. On the same evening, Callum Walsh preserved his unbeaten record with a gritty decision over Tyler Denny, positioning him as a natural next opponent for McKenna and setting the stage for a high‑profile Irish‑versus‑Irish encounter. "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 told Sky Sports.
"The crowd's reaction after the fight, when Stevie asked if that's what they wanted to see next, made it clear this would be a major attraction." The manager explained that the audience's enthusiasm was a clear signal that a McKenna‑Walsh bout would draw significant interest, both domestically and internationally. In addition to the Walsh fight, Borao revealed that McKenna has expressed openness to challenging WBA world champion Erislandy Lara in the future.
"Stevie has even mentioned to me that he would be open to stepping up against [WBA world champion] Erislandy Lara next," Borao said. The possibility of a step‑up fight against a seasoned champion adds another layer of intrigue to McKenna's career trajectory. The next steps, according to Borao, will involve discussions with Zuffa Boxing, the promotion that has already proven its ability to deliver world‑title opportunities for the McKenna family.
"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," Borao affirmed. McKenna's recent performances have been nothing short of dominant.
After suffering his first professional loss on points to Lee Cutler in December 2024, he has rebounded with two first‑round knockouts in June – first against Owen O'Neill and then against Casey James Streeter. Both finishes were emphatic, showcasing his power and precision, and reinforcing his status as a rising star in the middleweight division. Borao, who has a track record of securing high‑profile fights, previously arranged an IBF world heavyweight title bout for Frank Sanchez and helped Teofimo Lopez land a WBA welterweight title fight against Rolly Romero later this month. His confidence in McKenna's ability to secure a marquee matchup is therefore well‑grounded.
"Zuffa and Sky Sports have been incredible for Aaron and Stevie's careers," Borao said. "It's remarkable how involved Dana White and Zuffa are in backing their athletes. Aaron and Stevie have never received this type of support." The manager also highlighted the entertainment value that McKenna brings to the sport.
"Stevie is must‑see TV – his latest knockout proved it, but the best is yet to come!" he added, underscoring the fighter's potential to become a marquee name in boxing. Looking ahead, the boxing community can expect more action from the McKenna camp. Upcoming events such as MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron and featuring Caroline Dubois, will be broadcast on Sky Sports on August 29. Fans eager to follow McKenna's journey can subscribe to Sky Sports or stream the fights online without a long‑term contract, ensuring easy access to the upcoming bouts.
In summary, Stevie McKenna is laser‑focused on securing a high‑stakes battle with Callum Walsh, a fight that promises to captivate audiences in either a large Irish arena or a New York venue. With a viral knockout already under his belt, a family world title already in the household, and a manager with a proven ability to negotiate top‑tier fights, McKenna appears poised to take the next big step in his career. Whether he ultimately faces Walsh, steps up to challenge Erislandy Lara, or pursues another major opponent, the trajectory points toward continued dominance in the middleweight division and a growing profile on the global boxing stage.