Etinosa Oliha had to wait a long time for his chance, but now it’s finally here: The undefeated AGON middleweight will face Aaron McKenna in Dublin on August 8 for the vacant IBF world title.
For Etinosa Oliha, the moment he has been working toward his entire career has finally arrived. The undefeated middleweight from AGON Sports (22-0, 10 KOs) will fight for the vacant IBF world title on August 8 at the 3Arena in Dublin as part of Zuffa Boxing 10. In front of up to 14,500 spectators, he will face fellow undefeated local hero Aaron McKenna (20-0, 10 KOs) from Ireland.
For 28-year-old Oliha, the world title fight is the reward for his patience, discipline, and consistent hard work. Although the opportunity for a title fight was delayed several times, the AGON boxer never lost faith in his path. “First and foremost, I’m incredibly happy and grateful for this opportunity. I’ve worked my whole life for this. Aaron is a good boxer and I respect him, but I believe in myself and my abilities. I’m coming to Ireland to win and bring the IBF title home,” says Oliha.
Oliha: “Now is my time”
The Italian fighter of Nigerian descent stayed focused during the long wait and used every training session to improve. “I had to be patient and trust the process. There were moments when I just had to wait, but I never stopped training. I stayed in the gym and kept improving. I believe everything happens for a reason, and now my time has come.”
Aaron McKenna represents one of the biggest challenges of his professional career so far. But Oliha and his team have analyzed the Irishman thoroughly and feel well prepared. “Aaron is a good fighter; otherwise, he wouldn’t be in this position. We’ve studied him closely and know his strengths. Of course, I’m not going to reveal our game plan. Every boxer has weaknesses, and on August 8, everyone will see what we’ve prepared.”
A victory would crown Oliha the new IBF middleweight world champion and mark the greatest achievement of his career to date. For him, however, the title would not be the end, but only the beginning. “This title would mean everything to me. It would be the result of years of sacrifice, hard work, and discipline. At the same time, though, it would be just the beginning of a new chapter. Becoming world champion would change my life and show that with faith, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.”
With two undefeated top middleweights facing off, the world title fight in Dublin promises to be a thrilling bout. For Etinosa Oliha, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to claim the IBF title on the biggest stage of his career and give AGON Sports its next world champion.
Text: Press release / AGON Sports