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Aaron McKenna aims to keep “World Champ by 21” dream alive with big 2019


Teen pro Aaron McKenna [6(4)-0] wants to build on the perfect debut year in 2019 and remain on course to achieve his world champion before 21 ambition.

Since turning over with none other than Golden Boy Promotions and debuting in December of 2017, the Los Angeles-based Monaghan man has registered six pro wins and was one of Ireland’s busiest pugs in 2018.

In 2019 he wants to increase the pace further by progressing to eight rounds and winning a rankings title before the year is out.

Achieve all that and ‘The Silencer’, who turns 21 in July 2021 believes he will be well on course to collect a world title before he can legally drink in his current home.

“This year we are looking for two to three six rounders and then hopefully get an eight rounder or two in and maybe a 10 rounder for a small title by the end of the year,” McKenna told Irish-Boxing.com during his time at home before returning Stateside alongside his soon-to-debut older brother, Stevie.

“I want to be a world champion by this time two years. I want it before I am 21. Then you set new goals.”

With such a goal it would seem remiss of the Sheer Sports-managed Smithborough native not to be studying the lay of the world title land at his current weight, welterweight.

However, considering the teen hasn’t finished growing as of yet he is unsure what division he will be operating in come 2020 and 2021.

Indeed there are those within his team who believe the baby-faced 147lbs fighter could one day end up operating as heavy as light heavy [175lbs].

McKenna explained how “I keep an eye on the champions, but you never know what weight I am going to be because I keep growing!”

“Now, I do 147lbs comfortably, I am very big for the weight and feel strong at it, but I am still growing and a lot of people are saying I could end up a light heavy one day.”

Former top underage amateur McKenna, like Jason Quigley and Spike O’Sullivan, is on the books of Oscar De La Hoya’s outfit.

The massive American outfit are said to be exploring an Irish card this year and McKenna claims it’s always something talked about among his promotional team, naturally admitting that it’s something he would love.

The Ulster youngster promised that “if it does happen in Ireland I will be on it.”

“They are always talking about it, but more in general. There is no date or anything, but it would be amazing and something I’d love.”

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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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