Aaron McKenna admits his 18-hour journey home from Japan was made all the sweeter after punching his ticket in the Prizefighter Semi-Finals by stopping Jeovanny Estela with just 58 seconds to go.

The Northern Irish Middleweight will face Northampton’s Kieron Conway in the final four of the rebooted series in Japan, shown live on DAZN.

And the winner of the eight-man competition stands to celebrate a cool $1million champion’s jackpot.

Both were already on the receiving end of a bumper pay day when they pocketed a three-way share of a $100,000 knockout bonus for sealing Quarter-Final wins within the distance.

McKenna dominated his American opponent Estela but was made to wait until the 10th and final round of the contest before he could dispatch his rival with less than a minute left on the clock.

’The Silencer’ could not have been any happier though after he extended his undefeated record and booked his place in the last four of the tournament. 

“When there is big money on the line like there is for the knockout, it always makes the fight more exciting,” said McKenna, speaking at post-fight press conference on Monday at the Yamato Arena in Osaka. 

“I always intend to keep my composure, but I always intend to go for the knockout. 

“You can’t get carried away but every round I was in there, I knew I nearly had him [Jeovanny Estela]. 

“So, I was very happy in the 10th round when I finally got him out of there.”

Japanese duo Kazuto Takesako and Riku Kunimoto confirmed their places in the Semis with a home fighter guaranteed to be fighting for the new Prizefighter title in the eventual Final.

And McKenna knows a difficult test would await him should he manage to see off a tough challenge from a determined Conway first.

“I managed to see parts of both Japanese fighters [Kazuto Takesako and Riku Kunimoto],” he added. 

“I can see that they both have a highly aggressive style, and they throw a lot of punches. 

“They have entertaining fights, and it is great to see fights like this, especially in a big tournament like Prizefighter that is seen worldwide. 

“These are the type of fights that people want to see. Fans want to be entertained and I definitely respect them.”

Conway, meanwhile, echoed McKenna’s sentiments of respect for the two Japanese fighters on the other half of the draw. But the Briton has emphatically stated his intentions of going all the way and winning.

“I’ve seen bits of both of them [Kazuto Takesako and Riku Kunimoto],” said Conway. 

“But they’re not my focus at the moment. Aaron [McKenna] is 

“I’ll watch whoever wins that fight when the time comes.

“To win [this series] is obviously a big incentive for me. It is for big money.”

Conway was too good for Chinese rival Ainiwaer Yilixiati and picked up his share of a handsome knockout bonus when he stopped his Quarter-Final opponent in the seventh.

And he admits another stoppage, when he collides with McKenna, will play a huge motivating factor him.

“To go in there and to try and get those knockouts [with the bonus] is a big motivation for me,” he said. 

“But you have to be careful because if you go in there and look for it too much, it might just get you back. 

“So, whilst it is definitely a motivation, you have got to be smart with it too.” 

Details of when the Prizefighter Semi Finals, in association with Rakuten Ticket Inc. and NSN(Never Say Never), will take place are set to be announced in due course.

Prizefighter returned with a bang in Osaka, Japan, as four fighters took a huge stride closer to a $1million winners’ cheque. 

Kieron Conway, Aaron McKenna, Kazuto Takesako and Riku Kunimoto all secured their place in the Semi-Finals with victories at the Yamato Arena as the Middleweight competition got underway earlier today  – live on DAZN.

Britain’s Mark Dickinson (6-1, 2 KOs) suffered disappointment in his Quarter-Final contest, however, with the North-East native losing out to Japan’s Takesako (17-2-1, 15 KOs) in what was the fight of the tournament so far.

In a thrilling 10-round encounter, it was Takesako who had his hand raised with a unanimous points victory as the judges scored the hard-fought bout 96-94, 97-93 and 98-92.

Triumphant Takesako can now look forward to an intriguing last four rematch with fellow countryman Kunimoto, who celebrated back-to-back wins over Eiki Kani in front of his home fans in Osaka by stopping his compatriot in the fifth round.

Northampton puncher Conway (21-3-1, 6 KOs), meanwhile, opened the tournament with an impressive stoppage of his own over China’s Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-2-0, 14 KOs) when the referee stepped in to halt the proceedings in the seventh.

Conway later went face-to-face in the ring with his next opponent Aaron McKenna, as the undefeated Northern Irishman (19-0,10 KOs) silenced America rival Jeovanny Estela (14-1, 5 KOs) with just 58 seconds left on the clock in the final round to earn his share of the $100,000 knockout bonus spoils. 

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith saluted the winning fighters as he hailed the return of the popular series.

“It has been a special week here in Japan and tonight showed us why we’re in for a tremendous tournament,” said Smith.

“With three stoppages, the fighters are already reaping the Prizefighter rewards with a share of the knockout bonus and four of them are now another step closer to taking home the $1m winners’ cheque.

“Young Mark Dickinson rolled the dice and he’ll no doubt come again after his defeat. But for the likes of Kieron Conway,  Aaron McKenna, Kazuto Takesako and Riku Kunimoto everything is up for grabs.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners Rakuten Ticket Inc., and NSN (Never Say Never) as we now look ahead to the Semi-Finals.”

Details of when the Semi-Finals will take place are set to be announced in due course.

OSAKA, JAPAN (July 8, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions’ unbeaten middleweight Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5 KOs) has wrapped up training camp and has arrived in Japan for his highly anticipated “Prizefighter” tournament bout with fellow undefeated foe, Irishman Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9 KOs). The 10-round bout will take place on Monday July 15, 2024, at the Yamato Arena in Osaka, Japan.

The ‘Prizefighter’ tournament, televised globally on DAZN, features eight top-tier fighters, with the champion taking home a $1,000,000 grand prize. Estela, the sole competitor from the United States, is ready to shine on the international stage while proudly representing both Puerto Rico and the USA.

Estela, who trains out of Miami, gives his thoughts on his upcoming fight as he enters into fight week.

“I had a great training camp and I’m focused on the task at hand, which is to come out victorious in my bout against McKenna.” stated Estela who recently arrived in in Osaka, Japan, with his team. “This is the turning point in my career that can change everything for me. I worked really hard to get to this point and I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity. The goal for this week is to get plenty of rest, and peak on fight night.”

“I just arrived in Japan over the weekend to get acclimated to the climate out here and I feel great,” concluded Estela, who hails from Orlando, FL. “Since I’m the only American competing in this tournament, I feel a great amount of pride for my country and my family back in Puerto Rico where my parents are from. I’m excited about fighting on the big stage and I can’t wait to step in the ring next Monday.”

Boxlab Promotions, based in Orlando, Florida, has significantly shaped Estela’s professional career by promoting 11 of his 14 bouts in the Central Florida area.

“Since his professional debut, we showcased Jeovanny Estela’s talent to the world and now we have arrived at the pivotal point in his career.” said Amaury Piedra, Estela’s promoter at Boxlab Promotions. “As a promoter, these are the moments you envision when you sign a fighter to a promotional contract. He’s going into this tournament with a tremendous amount of support from both the USA and Puerto Rico, as both his parents were born on the island. We believe Estela has what it takes to win this tournament and bring home the $1,000,000 prize.”

ORLANDO, FL (June 6, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions rising undefeated boxing star, Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5 KOs), the 23-year-old American-Puerto Rican from Orlando, FL, is gearing up to represent the United States in the lucrative “Prizefighter” tournament, promoted by Matchroom Boxing in conjunction with Rakuten Ticket and Never Say Never (NSN). Estela will face fellow undefeated contender Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9 KOs) from Smithborough, Ireland, in a highly anticipated 10-round bout at the Yamato Arena in Osaka, Japan, on July 15, 2024.

The ‘Prizefighter’ tournament features eight elite fighters, with the winner receiving a grand prize of $1,000,000. Estela, the only United States representative in the tournament, is eager to showcase his skills on the global stage while proudly representing both Puerto Rico and the USA.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to prove myself against the best in the world,” said Estela. “I’m honored to represent Puerto Rico and the United States, and I’m ready to give it my all in the ring. I have a great team with my father, John Estela, and my co-trainers Juan Lopez and Jorge Rubio. Training in Miami, with some of the best fighters in boxing has prepared me to take on this challenge and bring home the victory.”

Estela’s participation in the tournament is a big step forward in his growing career. With Boxlab Promotions backing him, Estela has caught people’s attention with his talent, tenacity, grit and unbeaten record. The tournament will be shown live globally on DAZN, allowing boxing fans around the world to witness the action.

Amaury Piedra, managing director of Caribe Royale and Estela’s promoter at Boxlab Promotions, expressed his excitement about Estela’s participation in the tournament. “Jeovanny Estela bring a tremendous amount of charisma every time he steps in the ring. He’s an exceptional talent with a bright future ahead of him. We are super excited for him to have this opportunity to compete in such a prestigious event and represent both Puerto Rico and the USA. We trust he has what it takes win this tournament. He’s drew a very tough fight in the opening round, but I believe he will come out victorious. We would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Shaun Palmer, Kevin Rooney and the entire team at Matchroom Boxing for providing Jeovanny with this opportunity.”

The other 10-round bouts that will take place in the “Prizefighter” tournament are Riku Kunimoto (10-1, 4 KOs), Japan, vs. Eiki Kani (8-3-3, 4 KOs), Japan, Kieron Conway (20-3-1, 5 KOs), England, vs. Mark Dickinson (6-0, 2 KOs), England, and Kuzuto Takesako (16-1-1, 15 KOs), Japan, vs. Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1, 14 KOs), China. For more information on the ‘Prizefighter’ tournament please click HERE.

In a war, and early Fight of the Year candidate Natasha Jonas won a 10-round split-decision over former 130-lb champion Mikaela Mayer to defend the IBF welterweight title in 10 exhilarating rounds at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

The bout saw both fighters basically exchange power punches in the center of the ring. Mayer, who fighting in her fourth weight class in as many fights could not miss with a radar right hand. Jonas, who had swelling under her right eye landed hard straight lefts and solid right hooks.

The fight was a thrilling affair that either combatant deserved to win, saw Jonas take two cards 96-95 and 96-94, while Mayer won a card 97-93.

Jonas landed 126 of 312 punches. Mayer was 149 of 493.

Jonas, 146 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2-1. Mayer, 146.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 19-2.

Jonas said, “I had a good start. I landed harder and cleaner shots. I think toward the end she outworked me a little. I’ll give her a couple of the middle rounds. But I came on strong at the end.

“I know she is going to be absolutely devastated with the result because I’ve been there. It feels like the world is over. She is on my top two people that I’ve fought. She is very skilled. Her time will come again. She beat a lot of the champions. Please use that as motivation to become a two-weight world champion.”

Mayer said, “I thought I did enough to win. I would have given her the first round or two. But after that, I feel like I outpunched her. I landed the cleaner shots. At the end of the day, I think that this fight is worth seeing again. Like she said, it was one of the toughest fights she’s had. I didn’t have a rematch clause on my side, but I’m hoping we can get this fight done again.

“It’s definitely disappointing. But what am I going to do? I just hope that Natasha will be the standup champ that she is and give me another shot at the belt. I feel like I deserve it. I think they want to see it. I only believe that rematches should happen if they’re warranted.”

Zak Chelli squeaked by Jack Cullen by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight bout,

In round three, Cullen was cut around his left eye.

Chelli landed 131 of 450 punches. Cullen was 66 of 371.

Chelli, 166.5 lbs of London won by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 115-114 and is now 15-2-1. Cullen, 167.5 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-5-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated by winning an eight-round decision over Lila Dos Santos Furtatdo in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round one, Artingstall dropped Furtatdo with a straight left at the bell.

Artingstall, 124.5 lbs of Marklesfield, ENG won by a 77-75 tally and is now 6-0. Furtatdo, 124 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 9-2.

Stephen Clarke made a successful pro debut by stopping Vasif Mamedov in the third round of their four-round super middleweight fight.

Clarke was never challenged and in round three landed a series of punches that had Mamedov turning his back and referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 1:53.

Clarke, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Mamedov, 166.5 lbs of Southhapmpton, ENG is 3-50-5.

Aaron McKenna remained undefeated with a sixth round stoppage over late-replacement Mickey Ellison in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight contest

Mckenna dominated te action and began to batter Ellison until referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 2:21

McKenna, 168 lbs of Los Angeles via Ireland is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Ellison, 171 lbs of England is 15-7.

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 8, 2023) – Aaron McKenna versus Linus Udofia is the latest mouth-watering contest confirmed for an action-packed fight card on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA. 

The middleweight rivals meet in a special bet365 Wildcard contest for McKenna’s WBC International Title on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ IBF World Welterweight Title defence against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer. 

McKenna claimed the WBC International strap with a unanimous points victory over Uisma Lima on June 16th at London’s York Hall. Now 17-0, the 24-year-old is considered one of the division’s most exciting young talents. To continue his upward career trajectory, the ‘Silencer’ must now overcome his toughest test as he takes on former English Champion and British Title challenger Udofia.

With victories over Tyler Denny and John Harding Jr, and a hard-fought split decision loss to Denzel Bentley for the British Middleweight Title, Udofia has established himself as one of the fighters at the top of a stacked domestic division. The 30-year-old from Luton returns to title action following a defeat to Kieron Conway for the WBA Intercontinental Title knowing a victory over the undefeated McKenna can reignite his career and set the stage for a successful 2024. 

“A huge night of boxing in Liverpool just got even bigger,” said BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom. “McKenna vs Udofia is an excellent addition to an already stacked card. It’s a fascinating contest. McKenna has answered every question asked of him so far in his undefeated career. Udofia has tasted defeat but operated at a higher level and will look to use that experience to his advantage in what promises to be a real pick ‘em fight.”

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth Titles and will square off against former English Champion Chelli in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Karriss Artingstall is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The 2020 Olympic medallist takes on Lila dos Santos Furtado as she looks to continue her climb up the featherweight ranks. 

Mark Jeffers defends his English and Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Titles against Germaine Brown. Jeffers claimed the English and Commonwealth Silver Titles with points win over Zak Chelli after accepting a short notice fight last year. The undefeated Chorley boxer makes his first defence against Brown, who will be aiming to recapture the English Title he held in 2022.

Former IBO World Cruiserweight Champion Jack Massey, who took Joseph Parker the distance in a ten-round heavyweight contest in Manchester last year, returns to the ring and the 200lbs limit as he looks to start the New Year with a victory in Liverpool. 

The event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LONDON, ENGLAND – (June 12, 2023) – East London’s historic York Hall has been a milestone in the journeys of many British boxing greats, from three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, record-setting super-middleweight Joe Calzaghe and middleweight icon Nigel Benn. 

This Friday, the new generation of Britain’s brightest boxing talent make their first appearances in the famed venue as part of the BOXXER Fight Night event airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports.

The five-fight televised card features Frazer Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) and Caroline Dubois (6-0, 5 KO’s)  in key breakout battles, undefeated Irish standout Aaron McKenna (16-0, 8 KO’s) in a WBC title bout, a second instalment of the heated rivalry between Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) plus the return to the ring of #1 British Cruiserweight Championship contender Isaac Chamberlain (14-2, 8 KO’s)..

Battle-tested veteran Mariusz Wach (37-9, 20 KO’s) awaits Clarke in the ring. The Polish fighter has faced numerous household names of the heavyweight boxing scene and took Hall of Fame inductee Wladimir Klitschko when he challenged him for the unified world heavyweight championship in 2012. 

A stiff test awaits Dubois as she faces South American champion Yanina ‘Panterita’ Lescano (13-2, 4 KO’s), who last year lost a controversial decision in Dubai when she challenged Estelle Mossely in her challenge for the IBO World Lightweight Championship.

With Dubois’ star on the rise – the undefeated young prodigy has scored five of her six wins inside the distance since turning professional last year – Lescano heads to London hoping to stop her momentum and steal her shine, while the ambitious Dubois wants a statement win which will add weight to her calls for world title challenges in the near future.

A literal monster of a title fight occupies the midpoint of the Sky Sports televised card as Aaron McKenna (16-0, 8 KO’s) faces undefeated Uisma ‘Monstro’ Lima (10-8 KO’s) for the WBC International Middleweight Championship, with Lima having an 80% finish rate and three KO wins from his last four outings.

Heated cruiserweight rivals Viddal Riley (8-0,5 KO’s) and Anees Taj are fighting a second instalment of their feud, with neither having been satisfied with the cut stoppage which made Riley the TKO winner of their January first encounter, while Issac Chamberlain – the #1 contender for the British Cruiserweight Championship – returns to the ring in the opening bout of the televised card. 

Super-lightweight prodigy Adam Azim, British boxing’s hottest prospect, had been due to headline this Friday’s event but has been forced to withdraw due to a severe infection in the dorsal hood of his left hand, which his team believe was acquired when Azim cut his knuckles in a training session several weeks ago.

Housing the tendons responsible for finger movement, the infected area has proven resistant to prescription antibiotics and is so painful that Azim could not use the hand in a test sparring session at the end of last week, prompting his team to withdraw him. Azim will be rescheduled for a BOXXER card later this year.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 21, 2023) – Rising star Callum Simpson will take a step to greatness when he returns to the ring on June 10 at London’s iconic York Hall – as Adam Azim headlines in a WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Championship bout with Aram Fanyan.

Barnsley super-middleweight Simpson (11-0, 9 KOs) sensationally ripped up his reputation as the ‘best kept secret in British boxing’ when he emphatically stopped Celso Neves last month in Manchester on his BOXXER debut.

And the prodigal 26-year-old will be intent on creating more headlines when he ventures to the capital for the first time in his career this summer – live, in the UK & Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports.

Unbeaten prospects Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna (16-0, 8 KOs) and Shakiel ‘Dr Steel’ Thompson (10-0, 6 KOs) meet in a mouth-watering middleweight contest for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Championship.

The road to title contention also leads Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) to York Hall for what will also be his first appearance at the fabled British boxing venue. 

Having last week received news that he will be the next mandatory challenger for British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, the 2020 Olympic medallist will sharpen his tools in the ring on June 10th ahead of his summer title showdown.

Cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and his antagonist Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) have some unfinished business to attend to following their February war ending unsatisfactorily in a fourth-round doctor’s stoppage due to a cut above Taj’s eyebrow.

Elsewhere on the card, brother of headliner Adam, welterweight Hassan Azim (6-0, 3 KOs) looks to extend his unbeaten start to life as a professional.

English champion Sam Gilley (15-1, 7 KOs) will be out to light up his native East End after impressing last time out at Ally Pally last November.

The ‘Magic Man’ dropped Sean Robinson in the sixth en route to a unanimous points victory to successfully defend his title

Rhys Edwards (14-0, 4 KOs) produced a breathtaking performance in his win over Brian Phillips in Manchester last month – and the undefeated Welsh super-bantamweight will be back in action on June 10. As will Iranian featherweight Razor Ali (7-0, 1 KO), who wowed at Wembley back in February with his third round stoppage of Hector Avila Lozano.

And the series 8 winner of popular TV series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Joshua Gustave will be on display too. The Ilford middleweight is 4-0 as a professional with all four victories coming from fights at York Hall. 

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

Tickets are now on sale at BOXXER.com and are expected to sell out fast.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (Tuesday, April 18th) – Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KO’s), British boxing’s brightest prospect, steps up another level for his next outing when he faces IBO International champion Aram Fanyan (22-1, 4 KOs) at the historic York Hall, London on Saturday June 10th.

The bout headlines the BOXXER fight night event, which airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

Azim’s astounding amateur career included ten national championships and had him marked from an early age as a potential future great. He has lived up to that expectation thus far, scoring 5 KO wins from 5 fights in his first year as a professional then starting 2023 with a win over the previously-undefeated South American slugger Santos Reyes. 

Having fractured the scaphoid bone in his right wrist en route to the unanimous decision win over Reyes – possibly when he dropped the Nicaraguan in the second round – Azim has elected to take another huge challenge now that he is fully recovered and returning to the fray.

Fanyan has lost just once in 23 professional outings, dropping a decision during a 2019 challenge for the WBC Youth Silver Super Lightweight Championship. Since then, Fanyan has gone on a nine-fight win streak and has begun collecting the kind of titles needed to build a base for eventual world title contention.

In his last outing, Fanyan beat Timo Schwarzkopf to win the IBO International Super Lightweight championship and prior to that he captured the WBO Oriental Super Lightweight championship – a win over the heralded Azim in London would make headlines across the boxing world and would open up bigger title opportunities for him in 2023.

For Azim, this high-risk fight brings the possibility of high rewards, with victory moving him up the WBA rankings from his current #14 spot and also potentially levering him into European title contention.

The road to title contention also leads Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) to York Hall for what will also be his first appearance in the iconic British boxing venue. 

Having last week received news that he will be the next mandatory challenger for British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, the 2020 Olympic medallist will sharpen his tools in the ring on June 10th ahead of his summer title showdown.

Cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and his antagonist Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) have some unfinished business to attend to following their February war ending unsatisfactorily in a fourth-round doctor’s stoppage due to a cut above Taj’s eyebrow.

The four rounds they fought in February were a firefight, Taj having raised the temperature with relentless pre-fight verbal barraging of his better-known rival. Having arrived in the ring determined to steal the show – and Riley’s shine – Taj won himself a legion of new fans with his spirited performance and will have new levels of support behind him going into this highly-anticipated rematch.

In another bad-blood encounter confirmed for the card, a war of words which began in Manchester last month will be settled in London in June when unbeaten prospects in Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna (16-0, 8 KOs) and Shakiel ‘Dr Steel’ Thompson (10-0, 6 KOs) meet in a mouth-watering middleweight contest for the WBC International Middleweight Championship.

The two were on the same card last month and exchanged words at the pre-fight press conference, instantly sparking interest in an encounter among Britain’s boxing fanbase. The surely-heated clash takes place next month and is a high-stakes encounter – one will leave the ring as champion, the other with the first loss of his professional career. 

“Numerous British boxing greats have passed through the iconic York Hall on their way to the top and on June 10th it’s Adam Azim’s turn to take his next step to greatness at this storied venue. He’s a risk-taker who takes big steps up with every fight and I think in future we will look back at this fight as a pivotal moment in his career,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO. 

“On top of that, I’m excited to see Frazer Clarke make his final preparations ahead of his British title shot later this year and I’m really looking forward to Viddal Riley against Anees Taj and Aaron McKenna against Shakiel Thompson – those are two seriously heated matches which are going to be guaranteed crowd-pleasers.”

Several more HUGE fights will be confirmed later this week with tickets on sale on Friday at BOXXER.com

Pre-register for tickets now at BOXXER.com

This event will be presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

London, UK (5 November 2021) Unbeaten hot Irish prospect Aaron “The Silencer” McKenna has signed a long-term promotional agreement with promoter Mick Hennessy and joins undefeated brother Stevie at Hennessy Sports to form a world class strike partnership.

The middleweight ace kicks off the first fight under the new deal when he features on Hennessy’s triple-title extravaganza on Saturday 13th November at the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and free on Channel 5 in the UK and Ireland.

McKenna will challenge for the first title of his career when he contests for the WBC Youth ‘World’ Middleweight title in a battle of the punchers against Ghanaian hard-hitter Edem Bika.? Previous prospects who have won a WBC Youth crown have gone on to greatness including the World’s current best pound for pound fighter Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez – who McKenna aims to face and dethrone within the next few years.

The County Monaghan hot shot has looked sensational since turning pro following a stellar amateur career in December 2017 in Las Vegas. Campaigning almost exclusively in the United States, McKenna has amassed an immaculate twelve fight record with 7 KO’s as he marks himself out as one of the very best young standout prospects in World boxing.

He has featured on Hennessy shows in his last two fights; last December in Redditch when he halted Jordan Grannum – who hadn’t been stopped in 79 fights – with a savage body shot in the second round and Grannum didn’t come out for the third and last month he out classed Croatian Ivica?Gogosevic in Coventry.?

And he joins elder sibling Stevie ‘The Hitman’ under the quality packed Hennessy Sports banner where Stevie has fought since September last year before officially signing in December and has since flourished and taken his record to 9-0 with 8 knockouts.

McKenna is excited to have signed a long-term agreement with Hennessy and has seen what the renowned promoter has done for Stevie’s career and cannot wait to put his career into full throttle.

Aaron said, “I can’t wait to get started under Mick and Hennessy Sports I’m really looking forward to a massive future with big plans ahead so I couldn’t be more happier putting pen to paper with him,”

“For me fighting regularly, building up my career and reputation is massively important and of course receiving the fantastic exposure on Channel 5 which has already made a big difference to me, so signing with Mick at this stage is absolutely brilliant,”

“His reputation is second to none and he has guided so many fighters to world titles so I have total confidence in that he will do the same for me and of course Stevie. I can’t wait for the day that the both of us are World Champions.”

“I’m looking to put on a real show for the fans on Saturday 13th November in Coventry when I challenge for my first title, the WBC Youth World title, which is a big statement and many great fighters have held that title, like Canelo, and have gone on to achieve great things in the sport,”

“Fighting alongside my brother Stevie again is a huge boost and the pair of us will really take the boxing world by storm together.”

Father and trainer Fergal is ecstatic that both his boys are now under the guidance of Hennessy and will now be propelled to stardom under his expert guidance.

He said, “Mick has done a fantastic job with Stevie so I’m really happy that he will be promoting Aaron as well. Both boys are really excited to be in the Hennessy Sport stable and you will now see the both of them flourish as they develop from prospects to contenders to champions. We’re in for a really exciting time.”

Hennessy has big plans for Aaron and has delivered the WBC Youth title in his first fight under the new deal.

He said, “I’ve known Fergal and the boys for a long time through the amateur scene and we have developed a very strong bond and friendship over the years. I have long admired the skill and talent that both boys possess and they were incredible rising through the amateurs ranks, winning countless titles and have entered the pros with even more promise. I was delighted to officially welcome Stevie to the team in December and he has looked sensational so far maintaining his unbeaten record as he cuts through the welterweight division. So I’m now delighted to have officially signed Aaron to a long term deal that will see him challenge for the WBC Youth World title on Saturday 13th November in Coventry and winning that title will be a real statement of intent for him. To have world class young talents like Stevie and now Aaron under the Hennessy Sports banner is truly amazing for us and I’m really looking forward what the future holds with the boys and Fergal.”

Hennessy finished by saying firmly, “All of the premier players in World boxing have missed a trick with this young man. At this moment in time he is by far the best signing in World boxing, and will go on to be an absolute crossover superstar in the middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.”

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Coventry, UK (10 September 2021) Irish star Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna will now feature on promoter Mick Hennessy’s show tonight at the Coventry Skydome Arena on the Sam Eggington-Bilel Jkitou WBC Silver Middleweight title clash.

The undefeated 22-year-old middleweight from County Monaghan takes on Croatian Ivica Gogosevic over six rounds as he aims to extend his record to 12-0.

McKenna likes to get the job done quickly with seven of his eleven wins coming by KO – and seven of those have come inside three rounds.

Aaron joins older sibling Stevie ‘The Hitman’, the explosive hitting unbeaten welterweight contender, who takes on Frenchman Moussa Gary, on the card.

It’s the first time the brothers have featured together on a show since December 11 last year on the Eggington-Ashley Theophane undercard in Redditch.

Aaron retired the tough Jordan Grannum – who hadn’t been stopped in 79 fights – with a savage body shot in the second round and Grannum didn’t come out for the third.

While Stevie blitzed Des Newton with powerful shots throughout the fight until he was finally stopped in the fifth round.

Aaron is looking to put on a real show tonight for the fans’ and a live stream is available on the SunSport website starting at 1715hrs with Aaron’s fight starting at 2000hrs with the best of the action on Channel 5 from 2200hrs.

He said, “I’m just raring to go and I can’t wait to get back in the ring again and fight. I don’t like to hang about and I want to get my business done quickly so it could end early once the big punches start landing. It’s fantastic to fight on the same card with Stevie again and we both bring the same brand of entertainment when we fight: KO’s.”

Hennessy added, “It’s fantastic to welcome such an exciting talent like Aaron back on my show again and I’m really looking forward to seeing him back in action. Like his brother Stevie he’s an awesome prospect and the two of them together will bring dynamite tonight in Coventry.”

Remaining tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (7 December 2020) They might call unbeaten Monaghan super-welterweight Aaron McKenna ‘The Silencer’, but the classy 21 year old box-fighter intends kicking up an almighty rumpus when he makes his UK debut on Friday.

The 10-0 Freddie Roach protégé, who is based in Woodland Hills, California, joins big brother Stevie, courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions and Sheer Management, on the big Sam Eggington-Ashley Theophane undercard, televised exclusively live on Channel 5.

And the U.K fight fraternity certainly won’t want to miss taking a butchers at the highly touted former two-time European champion (Schoolboy and Cadet) who has already got the US cognoscenti raving.

‘Outside the ring I don’t say a lot. I’m a different man, humble. But inside, I shut a few mouths, silence opponents. I produce the goods inside the ring, take opponents out of there,’ states 6ft 2in Irish ace who, though two years younger than his crunch-punching brother Stevie (5-0, all count outs), actually made his pro bow 16 months earlier and can boast five more fights and 25 extra pro rounds on his resume.

Six of Aaron’s victims were sent for an early shower (all since three rounds) while five were subjected to the full 10 count.

‘It’s in our nature to get rid of opponents as soon as we can,’ continues Aaron who warns of further carnage ahead.

‘Stevie and I have been sparring each other since I was six and he was eight. We’d go at it every day. Occasionally it got heated but Dad made sure it didn’t get out of control. I can vouch that Stevie punches frighteningly hard.

‘As a pro, I’ve boxed a bit more. Fans haven’t fully seen it but, once I fill out, fully get my man strength, more spectacular kayos will come. There’s no better feeling than sinking a man with a left hook to the body.’

Born in Smithsborough, County Monaghan, McKenna the Younger had long been feted as a 2020 Irish Olympian but, aged just 18, spurned the opportunity in favour of a pro contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

‘I actually did well in school but I always, always wanted to be a professional world champion,’ explains the lad who triumphed in 152 of his 161 contests in a singlet.

‘Even as a top amateur, I never boxed around. I developed a pro style and knew that longer pro fights would suit me better. I’m always as fit in the last round as I am in the first and that’s with me sustaining a very high pace.

‘In my final amateur tournament, I won a mini world championship in Russia. I fought four times in four days, beating both a Russian and the Uzbek world champion along the way.

‘But it was my dream to make it as a pro in the US and so many world champions were based around the California area. I first went over aged 16 and dabbled with the thought of turning pro immediately under a Mexican licence. I opted against that but turned pro shortly after my 18th birthday.

‘Oscar is a great man, a gentleman now and one of the best promoters in the world. But, in his time, he was one of the most vicious fighters there’s ever been and I watch a lot of his tapes. He has seen all my pro fights and gives real positive feedback and advice before and after every one which I always try to act on.’

Though Aaron’s class was patently evident, it was still a brave and bold move to uproot and kick start his pro innings in the austere and unforgiving fight factories of America’s West Coast.

‘Stevie and I are very lucky that we have each other and our dad (co-coach Fergal) for support and company because it’d be very hard for a talented British or Irish teenager to succeed over here on their own. It’s not a holiday camp. I’ve sparred world class guys like Jose Ramirez, Jose Zapeda, Ivan Baranchyk, Vergil Ortiz and Amir Khan. They don’t mess around in these top US gyms,’ claims McKenna.

‘Freddie takes us on the pads every week day, and oversees our bag work and sparring. How good will we be a few years down the line with him behind us? Before that, we worked out at Buddy McGirt’s Gym – Buddy’s a really nice fella, extremely knowledgeable – and Robert Garcia also trained us and worked our corner for a few fights but, unfortunately, the two-hour drive to his gym became too much.’

Aaron’s explosive antics between the ropes have even started to court attention with the glitterati around Tinsel Town.

He explains: ‘(Singer)Cyndi Lauper actually requested a selfie from me after I boxed on a Sugar Ray Leonard Charity Fight Night. We’ve bumped into (legendary hip-hop star) Kendrick Lamar a few times at the gym – he loves to watch our sparring – and we’ve have had a couple of proper chats with (actor) Adam Sandler.’

Upon entering the paid brigade, the silent one set a goal of securing a major world title strap by the age of 22. Thus far, Covid 19 has served as the stiffest opponent to realising his ambition.

‘This year was meant to be massive for me but the pandemic came,’ explains Aaron.

‘Now Mick Hennessy has kindly given me an opportunity to show UK audiences what I can do. Over the next 12 months, I’ll cram in as many fights as I can and still intend being world champion by 22. The current WBO champ Patrick Teixeira is also with Golden Boy so it’s an easy fight to make.’

With Channel 5 cameras reeling, McKenna is accorded a gilt-edged opportunity to showcase his considerable talent on a fresh continent.

‘U.K fans will witness a very experienced fighter,’ he concludes.

‘I started at six, was a highly accomplished and decorated amateur, who’s already had 10 pro fights and all the very best sparring you can get. Most boxers in their late 20s don’t have the experiences I bring.

‘I don’t know who my opponent is but I do know that I’m more than ready. I want to put on a great performance in an exciting fight and hopefully get another knock out. I’ll certainly get the job done in style.’

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith and the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (17 November 2020) Red-hot Irish boxing siblings Stevie and Aaron McKenna will both fight on the same show for the first time as professionals when they appear on promoter Mick Hennessy’s event on Friday 11th December.

The unbeaten baby-faced brothers are ready to bring excitement and knockouts when they feature in separate six-round contests on the undercard of the crunch clash between Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

Stevie, 23, made his first appearance for Hennessy Sports back in September on the Alex Dilmaghani-Samir Ziani undercard in his last fight and made an immediate impact with his devastating firepower by flooring Gary McGuire three times before the referee called a halt at just 1:13 of the first round.

He’ll return to the ring again just seven days later when he features on another Hennessy show on Friday 18th December headlined by the mouthwatering British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards, also live on Channel 5.

Known as ‘The Hitman’, the 6ft super-lightweight hot shot from Monaghan, County Monaghan, has lived up to his nickname with all five of his opponents knocked out and he hasn’t wasted any time – four taken out in the opening round and one lasting until the second in only six-rounds of action.

Stevie said, “I’m thrilled to be fighting on Channel 5 again and it was amazing exposure for me where everyone could watch me for free. From beginning to end the experience was first class. Thanks to Hennessy Sports for the opportunity. I hope people watching enjoyed it last time, I put on an explosive performance. I can’t wait to deliver more on December 11th.”

This time Stevie brings with him super-welterweight Aaron, 21, who appears on the show courtesy of his promoter Oscar De La Hoya, and follows in his older brother’s footsteps by having his first fight on UK soil.

Aaron has slightly more experience with an unbeaten 10-fight record and six going early – five of those coming inside two rounds – with 31 rounds of action under his belt. Going under ‘The Silencer’ moniker, the 6’ 1” talent from Smithborough, County Monaghan is looking forward to his UK debut.

“It was great news from Golden Boy Promotions that they have secured a slot for me on the Hennessy Sports fight night on December 11th.” Said Aaron. “I’d like to thank Mick Hennessy for allowing me to fight and showcase my skills. Its great to get a fight before the end of the year and I am eagerly looking forward to putting on a show for my fans here in the UK and Ireland. The stage is now set for me and my brother Stephen to fight on the same card and we intend to produce the fireworks. Thanks to Golden Boy Promotions for granting me this opportunity.”

The all-action brothers are managed by Ken Sheer and trained by the legendary Freddie Roach at the Wildcard gym in Los Angeles. Both are currently in Ireland training with their father Fergal during the pandemic and they’ll return to Roach when travel restrictions are lifted.

Promoter Hennessy is thrilled to have Stevie back again and welcomes Aaron for the first time. Hennessy has family throughout Ireland and very close links to the boxing scene and his son Michael boxed out of the acclaimed St Monica’s Club in Newry as an amateur. Having watched both Stevie and Aaron from a young age and knowing Fergal, Hennessy was keen to work with the team.

“Stevie made such a great impression last time with his performance which was clinical, explosive and very quick, I’ve received hundreds of messages from fans who watched on Channel 5 and were left craving to see more of him!” Said Hennessy. “It’s fantastic to have Stevie on the show again and so quickly again on the 18 December, but I’m really excited to welcome his equally talented brother Aaron on the card – double the value! Thanks to Fergal, Oscar and Ken Sheer of Sheer Sports Management for making this happen and we look forward to seeing Stevie and Aaron in action next month.”