Tyrone McKenna is set for a huge opportunity on March 7 in Brighton as ‘The Mighty Celt’ has got the call to face Harlem Eubank.
McKenna put defeats to Lewis Crocker and Mohamed Minoune behind him at the beginning of December when he blasted through Dylan Moran in two rounds – the performance impressive enough to catapult him back into another big night as he faces the undefeated Eubank on his home patch, live on Channel 5.
Eubank ended over 12 months out of the ring, with a victory in Newcastle before Christmas, while McKenna’s win in a fight some called the ‘Irish Hagler-Hearns’ sets up this welterweight showdown perfectly.
The Englishman has put himself within touching distance of major championship fights but knows he must deal with McKenna, the crowd-pleasing Belfast brawler who has shared the ring with Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis and other top names.
“I am licking my lips at the prospect of going into Eubank’s hometown on March 7, meeting him in the middle of the ring, and going into battle,” said McKenna.
“Harlem has never met anyone like me in his career, not even close, and when the leather starts flying, he will soon realise there’s no easy way out.
“I am one of the most entertaining fighters in Ireland, I have the heart of a lion, one of the best chins around and I am an absolute nightmare for Eubank.
“Everyone could see from my last fight, that I am still incredibly dangerous, so make sure you don’t miss it, live on Channel 5, on March 7 because Eubank is in deep trouble.”
Eubank is aware the West Belfast man will travel with the intention of going to war and is relishing the battle.
His uncle, Chris Sr, has had previous with Irish opposition, having drawn and beaten Ray Close in two contests, defeated Sam Storey but then dropped two decisions to Steve Collins, so the Eubank name is well linked with Irish fighters and this is the next chapter in that story.
“Last time I fought in Brighton, we made history,” said Eubank, referring to his win over Timo Schwarzkopf in November 2023.
“The fans showed up in force, and I delivered a statement performance.
“This year, I want the big fights, and on March 7, back home at the Brighton Centre, live on Channel 5, I’m going to make a real statement at 147lbs.
“McKenna is a fan-friendly, aggressive fighter who’s competed at the elite world level. It’s a really exciting fight, and that’s exactly what I’m in this game for.
“There’s also a rich history between the Eubanks and Irish fighters. On March 7, I’ll add a new chapter.”