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, sensational knockout win in Dublin, according to his manager Mike Borao. The Irish fighter delivered a spectacular stoppage against Owen O'Neill that quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the imagination of boxing fans worldwide.
The knockout came on the same evening that McKenna's younger brother, Aaron, was crowned the IBF middleweight champion during the headline bout of Zuffa Boxing 10, which took place on Saturday. The same event also featured Callum Walsh, who maintained his unbeaten record by edging out Tyler Denny in a gritty, hard‑fought battle. Walsh’s performance, combined with McKenna’s viral finish, has set the stage for what could become a marquee matchup between two of Ireland’s most promising pugilists. "At this point, Stevie is laser‑focused on one fight – Callum Walsh – and he wants it to happen either in a major arena in Ireland or in New York.
That’s all he talks about," Borao told Sky Sports. "The reaction from the crowd after Stevie’s knockout, especially when he asked if that was what they wanted to see next, made it obvious that this fight would be a huge draw." Borao also revealed that McKenna has expressed an interest in testing himself against former WBA world champion Erislandy Lara, indicating that the Irish fighter is not shying away from high‑profile challenges.
"We’ll sit down with our partners at Zuffa and map out the next steps for Stevie. They have been phenomenal – they helped Aaron secure a world title in a very short time, and I’m confident a similar opportunity will arise for Stevie," he added. McKenna’s recent activity has been nothing short of impressive. After suffering his first professional defeat on points to Lee Cutler in December 2024, he rebounded with a series of first‑round knockouts, first over O'Neill and then over Casey James Streeter in June.
These victories have not only restored his confidence but have also re‑established him as a serious contender in the middleweight division. Borao, who has a track record of securing high‑stakes bouts for his fighters – including an IBF heavyweight title fight for Frank Sanchez and a WBA welterweight title opportunity for Teofimo Lopez against Rolly Romero later this month – believes McKenna is on the cusp of a breakthrough. "Zuffa and Sky Sports have been instrumental in the careers of both Aaron and Stevie. The involvement of Dana White and the Zuffa organization in supporting their athletes is unprecedented.
Neither Aaron nor Stevie have ever experienced this level of backing before," Borao said. The manager emphasized that McKenna’s recent knockout has turned him into "must‑see TV" and that the best is still to come. He hinted that a potential fight with Walsh could be staged in a large stadium in Ireland, capitalizing on the home‑grown excitement, or possibly in New York, which would provide a global platform and greater exposure for both fighters. The prospect of a Walsh‑McKenna showdown has already generated buzz among promoters, broadcasters, and fans, who see it as a clash of styles – McKenna’s power and aggression versus Walsh’s technical precision and unbeaten record.
Beyond the immediate Walsh fight, Borao mentioned that McKenna is also open to taking on established veterans, such as Erislandy Lara, to further cement his status as a world‑class contender. A bout with Lara would not only test McKenna’s skill set against a seasoned former champion but also potentially open doors to title eliminators and, eventually, a shot at a world championship belt. The broader boxing landscape is also shifting, with Zuffa Boxing continuing to host high‑profile events that blend established names with rising stars.
The upcoming MVPW‑06 card in Birmingham, headlined by a clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron and featuring Caroline Dubois, exemplifies the promotion’s commitment to delivering compelling fights across both genders. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on August 29, and fans can also stream the action without a contract, highlighting the evolving accessibility of the sport. In summary, Stevie McKenna’s recent knockout has catapulted him back into the spotlight, and his manager’s statements make it clear that the next logical step is a showdown with Callum Walsh.
Whether the bout lands in a packed Irish stadium or the iconic venues of New York, the fight promises to be a significant milestone in both fighters’ careers. With the backing of Zuffa, Sky Sports, and a supportive management team, McKenna is poised to continue his ascent in the middleweight division, aiming for domination and perhaps a future world title. The boxing world will be watching closely as negotiations progress, and fans can expect an exciting buildup to what could become one of the sport’s most anticipated Irish rivalries.