Aaron McKenna says he’s able to channel his internal Steve Collins and bulldoze his manner by Britain’s finest fighters – beginning with a transfer up in weight to face Hamzah Sheeraz.
The Monaghan middleweight, who has but to learn massively from an announcement win over Liam Smith, has set his sights on persevering with what he calls his “invasion of Britain” and believes Sheeraz is the right subsequent step on his march towards world honours.
With the Shane McGuigan educated fighter at the moment looking for an opponent, McKenna has thrown his identify into the hat and insists he’s greater than prepared to leap up in weight to make the combat occur.
“I do know Hamzah is searching for an opponent and I like the concept of shifting up in weight to proceed my invasion of Britain,” McKenna instructed Sky Sports activities. “Sheeraz is an efficient boxer and stable puncher. That’s what makes it an thrilling problem, however I’ll stroll away with my hand raised.”
The Smithborough expertise delivered one of many greatest wins of his profession in opposition to Smith and believes that efficiency proved he belongs on the high stage. Now he’s assured he can repeat the trick in opposition to the undefeated Sheeraz in a mouthwatering Eire vs UK showdown.
“I beat Liam Smith and I do know I’ll do precisely the identical to Sheeraz,” he stated. “Ring No 7 vs Ring No 8, two undefeated fighters, Eire vs UK. What’s higher than that? I’ll earn my shot at a world title in 2026.”
24 April 2025
Image By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 26-year-old says he has little interest in easing his manner towards title competition. As an alternative, he desires to carve a path harking back to Irish legend Steve Collins, who famously dismantled Britain’s greatest names throughout his super-middleweight reign.
“My aim is to run by the largest British fighters the best way Steve Collins did and I’ll do it for Eire,” McKenna declared.
“Watching Terence Crawford transfer up in weight to problem himself was inspiring. Turki is difficult fighters to maneuver round in weight and pursue the largest fights,” McKenna added. “I need to observe Turki’s mannequin and chase greatness by combating anybody between 160lbs and 168lbs.”
