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Better Fighter, Better Boxer – Tyrone McKenna dismisses Lewis Benson narrative


Tyrone McKenna [16(6)-1(0)-1] believes he is better in all areas than upcoming for Lewis Benson.

‘The Mighty Celt’ takes on the Scot at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Friday November 30th as part of a big BoxNation show.

Both fighters, managerial stablemates and former sparring partners, are coming off defeats on the Mick Conlan Homecoming card in Belfast during the summer where a gutsy McKenna lost a war to Jack Catterall while Benson was edged in a more tactical affair versus Johnny Coyle.

And such, their fight next week has been described as a fighter v boxer affair – something McKenna disagrees strongly with.

The Lenadoon southpaw stated firmly that “there is no way he’s better technically than me. He moves more but that doesn’t mean he’s better technically. His movement isn’t even effective – it’s just standard running around the ring and any boxer can do that.”

McKenna believes he is being sold short and the multi underage Irish champion and international outlined how “I believe I’m better in every department.”

“A lot of people doubt my technical ability and think I’m just a brawler but that’s not true. If you watch me against Renald Garrido, I was boxing on the back foot, showing my technical ability.”

“I went around the world as an amateur because I’m a good technical boxer so I dismiss all claims to the contrary.”

McKenna is predicting that he will dominate next Friday night and does not think Benson [10(2)-1(0)] will be able to stand up to him in a potential loser-leaves-town clash.

The 28-year-old described how “I hold every advantage over him. I’m taller, faster, stronger, fitter and I have more heart. I have a better engine. I can not see me losing.”

“Sometimes you have doubts in camp but I wholeheartedly believe I’m better than him at absolutely everything.

“Of course he’s going to try and avoid all exchanges. He’s said that he’s going to box and move in numerous interviews but I don’t think he realises how relentless I am and how difficult it is to hit me clean. Fighting me is more difficult than it looks.”

“You saw what I’m like against Jack Catterall. You saw the levels I can go to. I don’t believe Benson is ready for that kind of relentless fight because I don’t believe he has the heart for it. Not many do.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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