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Add FightsATW on GoogleAaron McKenna not only secured the homecoming victory he sought but also became the new IBF middleweight champion, earning a unanimous decision over Etinosa Oliha (22-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland.
The three judges scored it 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112 for McKenna (21-0, 10 KOs), who is now one of the champions in the middleweight division. After the fight, when asked who was next, McKenna said he’s easy to find but hard to beat and that anyone can be next, as he is the best fighter in the middleweight division.
In the opening round, both fighters landed clean, effective left jabs. They were gauging distance and testing which foot feints would work. There were glimpses of tight engagements, but nothing big.
It was an interesting second round, as Oliha was punching with McKenna, who was clearly the faster fighter. McKenna would sell out to land his body punches, but that cost him as Oliha landed a fast combination. McKenna landed a few of his big punches, but Oliha’s overhand right was the best punch of the round.
In the third round, McKenna began using his size to muscle Oliha around while landing hard, short shots. McKenna kept digging into Oliha’s body, wearing his opponent down. McKenna’s confidence began to rise.
McKenna again kept leaning on Oliha in the fourth round as the latter’s speed began to slow a bit. McKenna continued to grind Oliha down with his body punches while smothering his opponent’s counterattacks.
From rounds 5 through 12, it was all McKenna, who dominated with size, Ring IQ, and his hard, short shots. It’ll be interesting to see who he fights next, as top contender Amari Jones waits in the wings for his shot at the IBF title.
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