Aaron McKenna has set his sights on one of the biggest names in world boxing after signing with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing. The unbeaten Irish contender says he would welcome a future showdown with Canelo Alvarez if both men continue winning, although his immediate focus remains a world title opportunity at middleweight.
McKenna's comments come as Alvarez prepares for a crucial super middleweight world title fight against Christian Mbilli on September 12 in Riyadh. Victory would put the Mexican star back on top of the division and open the door to another series of blockbuster contests.
McKenna dreaming of Canelo showdown
The 26 year old will make his debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner when he faces unbeaten Italian contender Etinosa Oliha at Dublin's 3Arena on August 8. The bout will be contested for the vacant IBF middleweight world title and represents the biggest opportunity of McKenna's professional boxing career.
Despite remaining fully focused on that challenge, McKenna admitted that a fight against Alvarez would be difficult to ignore if the opportunity ever presented itself.
"On August 8, becoming world champion will open a lot of doors for me," McKenna said.
He added, "[Canelo] is one of the biggest names in boxing right now. He's fighting Mbilli. That's for the 168lb title. You never know."
McKenna also suggested he would have no issue moving up in weight if the right opportunity arrived, explaining that he is prepared to chase titles at super middleweight as well as middleweight.
Canelo faces a defining fight against Mbilli
Before any future opponents can be discussed, Alvarez must first overcome Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. The Mexican legend enters the contest looking to rebuild after suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford, who made history by moving up two weight divisions to claim victory before later retiring.
Mbilli now holds the WBC super middleweight championship and represents another dangerous challenge for the former undisputed champion. At 35 years old, Alvarez knows another defeat would raise fresh questions about the final chapter of his legendary career.
If Canelo regains a world title, potential fights against Hamzah Sheeraz and other leading contenders could quickly emerge as some of the biggest attractions on the boxing schedule.
Can McKenna earn the opportunity?
While McKenna's ambition is clear, he still has significant work ahead before a fight with Alvarez becomes realistic. Oliha arrives in Dublin unbeaten and determined to spoil the Irishman's plans in what promises to be a highly competitive world title fight.
McKenna enters the contest full of confidence following his impressive unanimous decision victory over Liam Smith. Another statement performance would strengthen his boxing record and establish him among the leading names in the middleweight division.
His move to Zuffa Boxing has also generated considerable interest, with many fans eager to see how Dana White's new promotional venture shapes the future of professional boxing.
What Happens Next
McKenna's immediate priority is defeating Etinosa Oliha and capturing the vacant IBF middleweight title. If he succeeds and Alvarez regains championship status against Mbilli, talk of a future clash could gather momentum. Boxing Wiretap will continue bringing the latest boxing news, fight night coverage and boxing analysis as both careers continue to unfold.