Aaron McKenna didn’t lack confidence after capturing the vacant IBF middleweight title Saturday night in Dublin.
“I’m the best middleweight in the world!”
That’s a bold declaration after a clear 12-round victory over Etinosa Oliha. Winning the IBF belt puts McKenna among the division’s champions, but it doesn’t establish him as the premier fighter at 160 pounds. Several dangerous names remain between McKenna and that distinction.
McKenna controlled Oliha with his jab, movement and work rate while remaining composed after suffering a late cut. It was a convincing performance against a fighter who came to Dublin with a 22-0 record.
Oliha, however, lacked the speed and variety needed to disrupt McKenna. Carlos Adames would bring greater punching power, physical strength and sharper counterpunching. Yoenli Hernandez presents a different test with his Cuban amateur pedigree and technical ability. Erislandy Lara remains one of the division’s most difficult fighters stylistically, while Tim Tszyu brings pressure, power and a far more developed offensive attack.
Those fights would demand more from McKenna than Oliha was able to produce. He would have to deal with opponents capable of punishing mistakes, changing tactics during rounds and forcing him to fight outside his preferred rhythm. At 26, McKenna has time to prove his claim against that caliber of competition.
McKenna owns the IBF belt after 21 professional fights. Calling himself the world’s best middleweight is another matter. Beating Adames, Hernandez, Lara or Tszyu would give that claim considerably more credibility.