McKenna claims IBF middleweight title as Walsh survives Denny test at Zuffa Boxing 10

Aaron McKenna has captured the vacant IBF middleweight world championship, defeating Etinosa Oliha by wide decision at Zuffa Boxing 10 in Dublin. The victory marks McKenna’s first world title, concluding a 12-round contest where he overcame an early tactical challenge from Oliha to dominate the later stages of the bout.

Oliha utilised speed and a sharp jab in the opening rounds to set up heavy right hands, keeping the early exchanges close despite McKenna’s reach advantage. However, McKenna adjusted his rhythm from the third round onwards, establishing his own long jab and effectively crowding Oliha when the fighters engaged at close range. McKenna’s ability to match Oliha’s physicality disrupted the challenger’s game plan, allowing him to control the ring and push Oliha against the ropes as the fight progressed.

The official scorecards reflected McKenna’s dominance, with judges scoring the bout 118-110, 117-111, and 116-112. While McKenna secured the gold, his brother Stevie McKenna also made headlines on the preliminary card, securing a significant knockout victory that drew considerable attention from observers in the Dublin crowd.

In the co-feature, Callum Walsh defeated Tyler Denny by decision, though the contest was marred by controversy and physical toll. Walsh, described as Zuffa Boxing’s first major signing and a long-term project for UFC president Dana White, survived an early knockdown in the first round after Denny pushed him down and followed with a barrage of punches. Walsh responded with a knockdown of his own in the second round but struggled to secure a stoppage against Denny, who entered the bout with a record of 21-4-3.

The fight descended into a pattern of constant holding, resulting in point deductions for both competitors in the eighth round. Walsh also sustained a cut around the left eye following an accidental head clash in the same round. Despite the disruptions, Walsh was awarded the win on the judges’ scorecards, with readings of 98-91, 98-91, and 96-90.

The outcome leaves Walsh’s future trajectory uncertain. While an all-Irish title showdown with McKenna is a logical next step for Zuffa Boxing, Walsh’s performance against a lower-caliber opponent like Denny raises questions about his readiness for championship-level competition. The event, broadcast on Paramount+, concluded with both Irish fighters securing victories, albeit under markedly different circumstances.