Main Event: The Road to the IBF Title
Zuffa Boxing returns to the international stage tonight in Dublin, Ireland, as the 3Arena hosts Zuffa Boxing 10. The main event features undefeated Irish contender Aaron McKenna (20-0) facing off against Italian challenger Etinosa Oliha (22-0) for the vacant IBF middleweight title. This event marks the second international showcase for the promotion, with local interest peaking as several Irish fighters occupy the main card.
McKenna enters the bout as a -400 favorite, with oddsmakers and analysts pointing to his technical precision and defensive discipline as the keys to victory. Oliha, despite being undefeated, enters as a +300 underdog. While the Italian possesses significant knockout power—having secured 12 knockouts in his 22 wins—he faces a challenge in breaking down the cleaner, more rhythmic boxing style of the local favorite.
Supporting Card and Irish Prospects
The undercard features notable local talent, including former Zuffa Boxing headliner Callum Walsh (16-0) and legendary amateur Joe Ward (12-1). Walsh, who is matched against Tyler Denny (21-4-3), is currently favored at -600. Analysts expect Walsh to utilize his superior movement and footwork to frustrate the veteran Denny, who has struggled since his 2024 loss to Hamzah Sheeraz.
Joe Ward faces undefeated power puncher Artjom Kasparian (14-0). Despite Kasparian’s reputation for thudding power shots, Ward’s technical pedigree as one of Ireland’s most decorated amateur boxers makes him a slight favorite. The card also features Sam Hickey, who returns to the ring following an impressive promotional debut, taking on Brad Axe.
Early Results and Family Stakes
The event has already seen success for the McKenna family, as Stevie McKenna secured a first-round knockout victory against Owen O’Neill earlier in the evening. Following his win, Stevie McKenna expressed his confidence in his brother Aaron’s upcoming world title bid, noting the electric atmosphere in the 3Arena. The victory brings Stevie’s record to 18-1-0, with 17 career knockouts, and he has already publicly expressed interest in a future bout against Callum Walsh.
The main card, streaming on Paramount+, represents a significant test for the promotion’s efforts to establish a stronger footprint in European boxing markets. With the Irish crowd providing significant momentum, the focus remains on whether McKenna can capitalize on his technical edge to secure his first world title.