Aaron McKenna has become IBF middleweight champion after defeating Etinosa Oliha by unanimous decision in Dublin. The contest was McKenna's first professional appearance on the island of Ireland and brought him a major world title in front of a home crowd.
The Smithborough boxer controlled the championship bout over the scheduled distance and was confirmed as the winner on all three judges' cards. The result extended his unbeaten professional record and completed a rapid rise through the middleweight rankings.
The International Boxing Federation had listed McKenna and Oliha for its vacant 160lb championship. Oliha arrived with an unbeaten record of his own, giving the Dublin main event the unusual shape of two undefeated contenders competing for an open belt.
McKenna had prepared mainly outside Ireland during his professional career, including a sequence of appearances in Britain and the United States. Bringing the title contest to Dublin therefore added a clear homecoming element as well as the sporting significance of the opportunity.
Attention will now move to the champion's first defence and the IBF's ranking requirements. No opponent or timetable had been announced immediately after the contest. The confirmed outcome is already a landmark one for the 27-year-old: a recognised middleweight title secured without defeat and on his first professional night at home.