Stingy with rounds – Stevie ‘The Hitman’ Mckenna ignores calls to get the rounds in

Stevie McKenna [5(5)-0] is more Cavan than Monaghan when it comes to rounds.

Like a Cavan man in a public house, the exciting Smithsbourough prospect ignores any suggestions he should get rounds in when it comes to boxing.

The older of two Sheer Sports managed boxing brothers has blitzed all his opponents to date, completing a full round just once in his novice career.

The seek and destroy merchant has stopped all bar one of his five opponents before the bell to end the first stanza has sounded. Only Gonzalo Carlos Dallera has managed to get him into the second round – and he didn’t see the third.

The knock out run has generated excitement and made McKenna one to watch out for, but some have suggested the prospect would benefit from more time in the pro ring.

Concerns the 23-year-old may be building a record but not experience, have been put to the fighter himself, but those concerns have fallen on deaf ears.

“Yeah I have heard [the get rounds in argument] before and how important it is to get the rounds in, but I’m not really concerned about that.

“In just one fight camp I always do at least 150 rounds of sparring, so I don’t need to get rounds in when I’m fighting. It’s in my nature to always go for the knockout.”

Are those knockouts coming via natural power or a take them out approach? The aptly named ‘Hitman’ explains it’s a blend of the two.

“It’s a bit of both,” he adds. “But lately I have discovered that I am a extremely hard hitter and mixed with my aggressive nature of fighting the two complement each other.”

That fan friendly approach will be on display on a Hennessy Sports promoted Channel 5 show this coming Friday.

It’s the second time McKenna appeared on terrestrial TV in the UK. He admits he saw the benefits of the platform when he stopped Gary Maguire back in September.

As a result the Freddie Roach trained fighter is inspired to impress again.

“I definitely felt a lot more excited, what really invigorated me was that I was fighting on Channel 5 and got the opportunity to show everyone what I could do on live TV,” he says of his last fight before revealing he has entertainment plans for the under card of Ashley Theophane versus Sam Eggington.

“Absolutely, I always go out there to entertain the fans, boxing needs entertaining fighters.”

Friday will play host to McKenna’s second fight for a pandemic hit year and all going well he will be out again on the same platform and at the same venue seven days later.

“It’s really good to get back out again this year, but especially having back to back fights. I’m looking to put on two great performances,” the light middleweight adds before revealing he isn’t concerned about not having a confirmed opponent as of yet.

“I don’t really be too concerned about my opponent. I’m only worried about what I am going to do. I’m ready for anybody, bring it on.”

The Sheer Sports managed prospect’s brother, Aaron also appears on the card. It’s the first time they pair have shared a bill since an amateur underage card in 2014.

“It’s fantastic to be fighting on the same card as my brother, it will be a big boost helping us to gain our fan base here in the UK and Ireland.

“I’d like to thank Mick Hennessy for giving us this opportunity. The last time we fought on the same night was a international event Ireland vs England In 2014.”