Aaron McKenna becomes IBF Middleweight world champion

The Irishman delivers a composed performance to defeat Etinosa Oliha and claim the vacant IBF title in Dublin.

Aaron McKenna officially became world champion on Saturday night. The 27-year-old defeated Etinosa Oliha by unanimous decision, securing the vacant IBF world title. The judges scored the bout 118–110 and 117–111, with a third card reading 116–112 in favor of Aaron McKenna.

He capitalized on his reach advantage in particular, putting Etinosa Oliha under heavy pressure to both the head and body. Aaron McKenna left his opponent with no real options, as he immediately re-established distance every time he went on the attack.

Etinosa Oliha did try to take the offensive, but he only ended up taking punches whenever he attempted to close the distance. Although he landed a few body shots, the high punch frequency from a distance proved too much.

Driven by the loud support of the crowd, Aaron McKenna continued to land precise strikes and secured the later rounds as well. In the end, it was pretty clear who was going to win this fight, and the only thing that could have saved Etinosa Oliha would have been a knockout.

After the fight, Aaron McKenna was, of course, ecstatic about winning the title in his home country. You could tell how much confidence this had given him, and he said:

“I’m the best middleweight in the world!”

Sure, it was a great win for him, but Etinosa Oliha wasn't really on his game that night either. If Aaron McKenna goes on to defeat more big names in the future, his statement might gain a little more credibility.

It was a good performance by Aaron McKenna. I thought he made great use of his strengths and handled the situation well. However, he needs to be careful not to get too carried away now, otherwise, it could backfire.