Aaron McKenna sets himself world title target after another knockout win in America
Thursday 19 April 2018 17:34, UK
Irish teenager Aaron McKenna produced another knockout win in front of an American audience and has already set himself a deadline for winning a world title.
The 18-year-old, who is signed to Golden Boy Promotions, stretched his professional record to three victories with last week's first-round stoppage of Keasen Freeman in Indio, California.
Live Fight Night
McKenna only started his paid career in December and believes opponents are feeling the effects of his improving punch power.
"It was a good step-up fight and he had a good record also, with four wins and one loss, so it was great to get the first round knockout," said the Monaghan-born boxer.
"I'm hitting harder and he couldn't handle my power. My coach is teaching me to sit down on my punches.
"I'm still growing, getting stronger, and I'm doing 14 sessions a week. I'm learning all the tricks of the trade, throwing solid shots to head and body, which is all great stuff."
A talented amateur, McKenna believes he can reach the very top of the welterweight division, and hopes Golden Boy Promotions boss Oscar De La Hoya can fast-track him to a world title shot in the States.
My plan is to be as busy as I can this year, and next year, and by the time I'm 21, I'll be a world champion.
He said: "I want to be kept very busy this year and Golden Boy have planned eight fights for me, and no less than six. I'm always training and I'm always in good shape.
"Hopefully I'll be back out by the end of May. My plan is to be as busy as I can this year, and next year, and by the time I'm 21, I'll be a world champion.
"Oscar De La Hoya is always the first one wishing me luck, and Oscar is very supportive of me. It gave me a boost when he came into the dressing room before the fight and he told me to just silence him.
"It's absolutely brilliant to have such a great fighter guiding me."
