Aaron McKenna: Etinosa Oliha gives Irish boxer warning ahead of IBF world title fight in Dublin on August 8

03.08.2026, 09:34 skysports.com

Etinosa Oliha says Aaron McKenna cannot offer "anything new" in their world title fight and has vowed to inflict a punishing defeat on the Irishman.

McKenna is aiming to become Ireland's newest world champion when he faces Oliha for the vacant IBF middleweight title in Dublin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

But Oliha has given a dismissive assessment of McKenna's ring skills and is predicting a painful night for the 27-year-old.

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"I don't think he can match that work-rate, but, you know, like I said, I'm an all-rounder boxer, so anything he brings, you know, it's not going to be anything new to me," Oliha told Sky Sports.

Asked if he can win by knockout, Oliha added: "I will win this fight, and I will hurt him."

McKenna will be backed by his vocal support at 3Arena, although Oliha insists he is solely focused on preventing his opponent's world title plans.

"Well, that would be crazy [if I could silence the stadium], you know, in his hometown, but, you know, it's boxing, so you have to be prepared for it.

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"It's not gonna bother me [if it is a loud atmosphere] because, you know, in the ring it's gonna be just me and him."

The Italian holds an unbeaten record, just like McKenna, and is confident he can collect other world titles in the division after acquiring the IBF belt.

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"Yes, of course, it's always been an ambition [to be a world champion]," he said.

"I want to unify all the titles, that would be one of my greatest dreams, so, yeah, it's a big ambition for me.

"This would mean a lot for Italian boxing.

"Finally Italy's gonna be back on the radar of world champions once more."

Watch Aaron McKenna vs Etinosa Oliha for the IBF world middleweight title in Dublin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.