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TV Star – McKenna believes small screen exposure will be big for his progression

Stevie McKenna [6(6)-0] is confident boxing on the box will propel him toward stardom and fight success.

The light welterweight prospect last week signed a long term promotional deal with Hennessy Sports.

The promotional backing allows him to plot a course to success – and he believes Mick Hennessy’s agreement with British television station Channel 5 may help him navigate that course that bit quicker.

“I am over the moon signing with Hennessy Sports,” McKenna told Irish-boxing.com.

“It’s certainly a plus to be on terrestrial TV and Channel 5. I think it will be instrumental with building my career over the next few years.”

The Monaghan fighter had worked his way to 5-0 under management company Sheer Sports. Now with a TV aligned promoter added to his corner the 23-year-old has been assured he has a busy year ahead and a world title in his future.

“Mick [Hennessy] has told me that I am going to become a world champion and I am going to be very busy over the next year.”

Hennessy Promotions certainly have ‘The Hitman’ busy this week. On Friday he fights for the second time in seven days, following a win over MJ Hall with a third career TV appearance against a yet to be named opponent.

The teak tough Hall brought the heavy handed prospect past round two for the first time in his career. The experienced journey man looked like he may be the first to bring the Freddie Roach trained fighter the distance, but McKenna explains he never gave up hope on getting the job done before the final bell rang.

“I always knew I was going to get him, he proved to be a tough worthy opponent and a great fight to get at this stage of my career,” he added.

“I was very happy with my performance and I got to go a few rounds, of course it was nice to get him out of there before the final bell.”

With more time in the ring the 23-year-old had more time to show his skill set.

McKenna had to change tact, approach and even stance on occasion and he enjoyed the tactical battle.

“It was great to get fighting a southpaw and a very awkward one at that, throughout the fight I had to change my fighting style a few times to adjust and land my punches.

“I’m very fortunate that I can also fight quite effectively in southpaw myself and this was a great opportunity to adjust accordingly to a awkward opponent.”

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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