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Add FightsATW on GoogleWhat’s at stake for Aaron McKenna when he faces Etinosa Oliha (22-0, 10 KOs) at Dublin’s 3Arena for the vacant IBF middleweight title?
McKenna (20-0, 10 KOs) is one of the most exciting unbeaten contenders in the middleweight division. McKenna gets an Irish homecoming, potentially to win his first world title, against a relatively unknown opponent. Could we see the birth of a new star, or one of the biggest upsets of the year?
Let’s look at the storylines.
Aaron McKenna is One of The Best
Remember when McKenna was with Golden Boy Promotions, fighting at welterweight and getting a lot of TV time? It feels like yesterday, but it was 8 years ago. Now two weight classes later, McKenna is looking to fulfill his potential.
Since Gennadiy Golovkin retired, the division has been void of names. McKenna is passing the eye test and looking the part, according to the gym scouting report. Now it is his time to live up to his potential, as McKenna is one of the best Zuffa Boxing signings.
The IBF
The vacant IBF middleweight title is on the line. That is a story when it comes to Zuffa Boxing.
Earlier this year, there were reports that cruiserweight IBF champion Jai Opetaia had lost his title after defending it against Brandon Glanton. The bout was deemed unsanctioned by the IBF, which led to the move. Last month, Opetaia filed a lawsuit against the IBF, seeking reinstatement as champion and other financial compensation.
The role the IBF will play in this bout could be the biggest talking-head story of the week. (Editor’s Note: On June 10, FightsATW received a response regarding their involvement in this fight, especially given their history with Zuffa Boxing. The IBF stated that the promoter on record for this card is TMK Promotions and that they had not received any notification of any changes.)
Who is Etinosa Oliha?
When you hear people disparage sanctioning bodies, a fighter like Oliha is a prime example. An unbeaten Italian fighter who mostly fights in Italy and Germany, Oliha has no notable wins but finds himself a mandatory for a vacant title. It inherently feels wrong and makes people wonder why this is happening.
For all we know, Oliha could be the goods, but wins over Ivan Njegac, Alexander Pavlov, and Ismael Seck might merit a ranking. Oddly, he is in contention for the belt.
Amari Jones
The man outside this bout is Jones, a Golden Boy Promotions contender who is becoming a breakout star for the company. Jones should be next in line for the IBF title and is showing star traits. So, while all eyes will be on this bout, astute observers will assess how Jones would perform against the winner.
What Does The Eye Test Say?
McKenna is too talented, and this will be a repeat of the former middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly versus Danny Dignum.
What Do The Odds Say?
The odds favor McKenna as though it were a tune-up fight
Per BETUS, Aaron McKenna is the favorite at -475 and Etinosa Oliha is the underdog at +350.
Aaron McKenna: TKO/KO +250; Decision -105
Draw: +1600
Etinosa Oliha: TKO/KO +450; Decision +700
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