Aaron McKenna became the new IBF middleweight world champion with a dominant unanimous decision win over Etinosa Oliha at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
McKenna (21-0, 10 KOs) put on a clinic against Oliha (22-1, 10 KOs) to capture the vacant IBF crown with scores of 118-110, 117-111, 116-112.
The belt became vacant after former champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly was stripped following a failed drugs test.
The Irishman was in control from the opening round, keeping the visitor at bay with a probing jab.
Oliha, who came into the contest unbeaten in 22 bouts, landed two big right hands in the second round, as McKenna began to trade with the Italian.
The ‘Silencer’ appeared a step ahead of Oliha and was timing the 28-year-old with sharp combinations, holding a clear lead by the halfway mark.
The 27-year-old continued to walk Oliha down, but ‘El Chapo’ remained hungry as he attempted to change the momentum.
McKenna was far more accurate and was landing with uppercuts at will in the 11th round.
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The Monaghan man did have to deal with a slight cut in the penultimate round following an accidental clash of heads, although it had very little impact on the bout in the final round.
McKenna made sure to tie up the advancing Oliha, who desperately tried to find a huge shot, but to no avail.
Scores of 118-110, 117-111, 116-112 confirmed victory for McKenna and a maiden world title.
The ‘Silencer’ became the third Irish middleweight world champion, joining Andy Lee and Steve Collins, who were ringside.
“I thought about this moment my whole life,” McKenna beamed.
“For it to finally happen now at 27, it just goes to show everyone, don’t give up.
“Always stay true to yourself and you can do anything.”
Walsh climbs off canvas to defeat Denny
Callum Walsh climbed off the canvas to beat Tyler Denny in their middleweight clash.
Walsh (17-0, 11 KOs) crouched down in the opening round, as Denny (21-5-3, 1 KO) reined in punches and the Irishman’s gloves touched down on the canvas.
🇮🇪 @KingCallumWalsh with the left hook out of NOWHERE 💪
📺WATCH LIVE ON @SkySports & @ParamountPlus | #ZuffaBoxing10 pic.twitter.com/o8QKIGwf2o
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) August 8, 2026
However, the 25-year-old responded almost immediately, with a hard left hand sending Denny crashing to the canvas.
The pair traded frantically throughout a highly competitive 10 rounds, but the home favourite deservedly emerged victorious with two scores at 98-91 and another at 96-90 to take his professional record to 17 straight victories.
Ward overcomes Kasparian
Joseph Ward launched a late fightback to see off Artjom Kasparian by unanimous decision after an enthralling light heavyweight battle.
Ward (13-1, 8 KOs) appeared to be out on his feet by the halfway mark, but the Irishman rallied down the stretch to overcome Kasparian (14-1, 12 KOs) by two scores of 97-93 and another at 96-94.
Hickey KO’s Axe
Sam Hickey landed a brutal right hand to take out Brad Axe in the seventh round.
Hickey had floored Axe in the third round and the Scot ensured the bout would not go the distance, detonating a stunning right hand in the seventh, which put Axe on his back.
The Somerset man was given treatment in the ring, but fortunately rose to his feet.
STRAIGHT RIGHT FROM HELL 🤯@SAM_HICKEY20 WITH THE KO IN ROUND 7 👊 pic.twitter.com/3fDgcKtEKW
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) August 8, 2026
Remaining Undercard
Stephen McKenna (17-1, 16 KOs), the older brother of Aaron, scored a second consecutive first round stoppage, wiping out Owen O’Neill (14-3, 1 KO) with a thunderous right hand.
In a pair of middleweight clashes, Louis Greene was a points winner against Daniel Buciuc and Connor Coyle (23-0, 10 KOs) saw off Mark Bueke (13-4, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision.
HE DOES IT AGAIN 💥 #ZuffaBoxing10 pic.twitter.com/0PtNIivb3u
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) August 8, 2026
American cruiserweight prospect, Patrick O’Connor (4-0, 4 KOs) secured a fourth straight early victory, with Juan Manuel Montiel (6-2, 5 KOs) forced to retire after the opening round with a shoulder injury.
