"Tyrone McKenna Sets Sights on World Championship Following Epic Battle with Dylan Moran"
Tyrone McKenna is setting his sights on a world title after an electrifying two-round showdown with Dylan Moran in Waterford that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Their clash, aired on ProBox TV, was nothing short of spectacular. Both fighters met in the center of the ring and engaged in a thrilling exchange, resulting in one of the most memorable two-round battles in recent history. Despite absorbing significant punishment from Moran initially, McKenna turned the tide by delivering a decisive blow that floored Moran at the close of the first round. The excitement continued into the second round, culminating in another knockdown of Moran and ultimately leading to the fight being waved off.
Reflecting on his strategy, McKenna shared, “To be fair, I thought he was going to move and box. For some reason, he didn’t – all week he talked about boxing, so I was puzzled. He was putting everything into his shots, expending nervous energy. I knew those big shots could drain him. I adapted my approach, applying pressure in the final minute and landing a significant blow in the last second. It could have been over right there.”
McKenna acknowledged the unwavering support of the spirited home crowd for Moran, speculating that it might have worked against his opponent. He revealed, “Maybe the crowd played a role against him. I tend to get fired up easily. They underestimated my strength, assuming I lacked knockout power due to my record. But I can deliver solid hits; ask anyone who's seen me spar or on the pads.”
Prior to the bout, McKenna underwent a transformative training camp in Germany, instilling in him the belief that he could eventually claim a world championship title. The intense showdown with Moran further solidified his determination.
“Every experience boosts my confidence,” McKenna affirmed. “I absorbed some heavy hits from Moran, a formidable opponent. He landed solid hooks, but I stood firm. I have the skills to become a world champion, provided I have the right matchups and opportunities.”
Despite the perception of the welterweight division as relatively weaker in 2024, McKenna remains undaunted and is open to facing former sparring partner and IBF 147lbs champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Recalling their sparring sessions, McKenna humorously remarked, “I sparred with ‘Boots’ for years in his camp; he's exceptional, even at 17. Maybe we should avoid that one! But in all seriousness, I'm ready to take on anyone, including ‘Boots.’ I crave challenging fights, where I can showcase my toughness. I'm known as one of the toughest for a reason, and I'm prepared to give anyone a run for their money.”
