MONAGHAN’S AARON MCKENNA took another step in his fledgling professional boxing career on Friday night by overcoming Mexican Daniel Perales with a dominant victory inside just two rounds.
The 19-year-old, Ireland’s second-youngest professional boxer after Cork’s James Power, secured a second round stoppage victory in their welterweight clash at Fantasy Springs Casino to keep his unblemished record in tact.
“I feel good, I felt very strong,” McKenna said afterwards. “It was a really good performance. I was in with an experienced fighter and took him out early.
“Once I had the first exchange I knew I could handle him and get him out of there. I’m delighted with my performance.”
In a completely one-sided affair in California, McKenna knocked Perales to the canvas inside the opening round.
Aaron McKenna Making It Look Easy 🇮🇪💯#WatchOnDAZN pic.twitter.com/s7TCYiNDkX
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) June 22, 2019
The highly-rated welterweight teenager, who is signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, stepped up a gear in the second, before referee Ray Corona was forced to intervene and bring a halt to proceedings.
“Fantastic performance,” his father and co-trainer Fergal McKenna said.
“It was a good learning fight. It’s important that Aaron develops that KO punch and gets these type of fighters out early.
“This was the perfect setting for that. Aaron is starting to hit harder. It was very evident in this fight.”
Friday night’s win now moves McKenna’s record to 8-0, with five of his eight victories coming via knock-out.
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