Dylan Moran vs Tyrone McKenna Preview
Dylan Moran and Tyrone McKenna clash on December 7 in what is being billed as the ‘War in Waterford’. These middleweights look set for an incredibly competitive bout with fans and pundits split on who will take the win at the SETU Arena.
McKenna has struggled over the last 18 months and arrives in Waterford on the back of two losses. However, the experienced Belfast man is more than capable of bouncing back and will see this fight as an ideal opportunity to do just that. Moran picked up a huge win in Belfast in his last fight and now looks to claim an even bigger one. Can the Real Deal secure the biggest win of his career so far, or will McKenna’s grit shine through in Waterford?
Dylan Moran vs Tyrone McKenna Predictions
Fight prediction: Dylan Moran via decision
Tyrone McKenna has struggled in his recent fights and floated between weight classes. The Mighty Celt has fought between 135 and 147 lbs in his last five fights. McKenna is 2-3 in five and needs to bounce back here. Regardless of his record, his talent is clear to see and his experience advantage should be a big worry for Moran.
This is as much of a pick’em fight as you can get in boxing. Dylan Moran recovered from a shock first-round TKO defeat in September last year to see off undefeated prospect Owen O’Neill in August. ‘The Real Deal’ impressed with his bounce-back fight, but now faces a much taller task against an opponent as experienced as Tyrone McKenna. The question is whether McKenna’s experience will be too much for Moran. We think the Waterford man is ready. Our boxing prediction is for Dylan Moran to win in his hometown.
The biggest tilt in this fight is the weight cut. Moran is naturally bigger than McKenna, and the Mighty Celt has another weight cut on his hands for this fight. McKenna is renowned for his toughness, but that could drain with the cut. The volatility of his most recent weight cuts has been a clear hindrance for the Belfast man and could play into Moran’s hands.
We have seen body shots become a big problem for the Mighty Celt in his recent fights. That goes hand in hand with the weight cut. Moran can assert his dominance in this fight by focusing on that weakness. McKenna may not have the toughness coming off the back of several weight cuts and losses, and big shots to the body are a perfect way for Moran to slow McKenna down and pick him apart.
McKenna’s relative inactivity is somewhat of a worry, too. He has only fought twice since 2022. Moran has been more active and there is an argument he could be more prepared for this fight. The weight cuts are what have forced McKenna out of the ring for extended periods, and they could catch up to him in this huge clash in Waterford.
Dylan Moran vs Tyrone McKenna Fight Outcome
Tyrone McKenna is more than capable of winning this fight. His toughness is incredible and the Mighty Celt can use his grit to outlast his opponent. Moran must be precise and powerful but has to be wary of punching himself out. McKenna’s ability to snatch the latter rounds helps swing fights in his favour. If Moran goes headhunting, McKenna will wait him out and pick him apart while he is fatigued. This is only the second 10-rounder of Moran’s career and he didn’t last to see the second round last time out. Moran must be measured.
The Real Deal is too skilled to fall into those traps. He will be acutely aware of McKenna’s experience advantage and must fight beyond his years. Expect Moran to work the body in the early-mid rounds before looking for a finish later. Whether he can find that finish is another question. McKenna’s toughness is likely to be enough to avoid a stoppage. However, we think Moran will be precise with his punches on his way to a decision victory.
Dylan Moran vs Tyrone McKenna Betting Tips
Both fighters are worth 17/20 in the boxing betting markets and we are leaning towards Moran, given the weight cut and McKenna’s struggles in his recent fights. This is a case of youth vs experience, with McKenna boasting eight more professional fights than Moran.
We cannot see a stoppage in this fight. If either fighter was to win by knockout, Moran would be the most likely with a 47.37% knockout rate compared to 26.09% for McKenna. However, neither boasts impressive knockout percentages, and their skills are more technique-based. Bet on Moran to win via decision.
If you were going to bet on a different outcome, Moran is the most likely to land a KO or TKO. He has power in his punches if he can land and keep away from counterpunches. Our online bookmaker will have fantastic returns for this fight if you can be specific with your bet. Choosing the over/under for the number of rounds is one way to extend your returns.
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Neither fighter has set the world alight in recent years, which means you should temper your expectations. Betting big on this fight is a mistake, especially since there is nothing between the men at Novibet. One option for this fight is to wait until the nerves have settled in and bet live after round three. We will know for certain whether the weight cut will have an effect after three rounds.
Dylan Moran vs Tyrone McKenna Key Stats
Dylan Moran has a record of 19-2-0. The Waterford man has won nine of his fights via KO/TKO and both of his defeats have come by the same means. He last fought in August against Owen O’Neill at 151lbs. The Real Deal stormed through his opponent, earning an impressive first-round knockout. Moran is 3-1 in his last four with all three wins coming via KO/TKO.
Standing at 5’11”, Moran is 2” shorter than his opponent. However, he is naturally bigger at middleweight and will make up for his size disadvantage with mass. The Real Deal is a technical fighter with excellent fundamentals and footwork. He has found more power behind his punches in recent fights and boasts more stoppage victories than McKenna in fewer fights. Moran has been the more active fighter with three bouts since February 2023.
Tyrone McKenna has a record of 23-5-1. Six of his wins and two of his losses have come via KO/TKO. McKenna fought in August at the SSE Arena on the same card as Moran. However, he was less successful, losing to Mohamed Mimoune via KO/TKO in the fifth round. That extended his losing record to two, making it the first time the Mighty Celt had lost back-to-back fights in his career. He lost to Lewis Crocker via a unanimous decision in the previous bout in December 2023.
Standing at 6’1”, McKenna will have the size advantage in this fight. He fights a similar style to Moran. The Belfast man is a great counter-puncher with impressive footwork and sound fundamentals. However, his biggest attribute is his grit and toughness. McKenna’s ability to bite down on his mouth guard and weather a storm only to end up stealing the next round is second to none. He has been less active than his opponent, fighting twice since summer 2022.
These fighters do not share any opponents in common, but McKenna’ has fought far more experienced fighters than Moran. He has stepped into the ring against strong fighters like Regis Prograis, the undefeated Lewis Walker, and former British welterweight champion Chris Jenkins.
