Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna Preview
Aaron McKenna faces the first big test of his career when he steps into the ring across from Liam Smith on April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 6:00 pm. McKenna enters with an undefeated record but has never fought someone of Smith’s calibre and experience.
Smith enters this fight after thrilling bouts against fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr. The 36-year-old lost the second meeting and is looking to bounce back in London. Can McKenna claim a huge scalp on his rise to the top, or will Smith show that experience is key?
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna Predictions
Fight prediction: Aaron McKenna via decision
One of our best boxing predictions is for Aaron McKenna to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium victorious on Saturday. This is a close fight on paper between two different generations of boxers. McKenna’s youth and technical skills make him a promising prospect. Smith’s experience and proven resilience in high-stakes bouts give him a psychological edge. However, if McKenna can maintain his composure and execute his game plan effectively, he has the potential to outpoint Smith over the full 12 rounds.
We are backing youth and momentum in this fight. Smith looked lethargic in his last contest. The 36-year-old was slow and came second in every exchange, a big change from his fight prior. Beefy explained that his poor performance in that fight was due to the 42lb weight cut and an ankle injury.
Those weight cuts and injuries only get harder to push through as fighters age. He is one of the most talented boxers to come out of the UK this century, but father time and wear and tear catch up to everyone. It has been nearly two years since his last fight. Shaking off that ring rust will also be difficult. McKenna can take advantage of being the fresher and fitter man.
McKenna will aim to maintain distance, using his jab and footwork to control the pace. His goal will be to outbox Smith. He will utilise his reach advantage and speed to score points and avoid prolonged exchanges. Staying composed under pressure and adapting to Smith’s tactics will be key for McKenna to secure a victory.
The Silencer is not known for his punching power. However, his skill and conditioning are top drawer. He will want to turn this fight into a war of attrition. McKenna is over a decade younger than his opponent. He should be in better ring shape, having fought more recently. The further this fight seeps into the later rounds, the more it swings in his favour. The Irishman is excellent at keeping himself fresh throughout fights. He can drag Smith into round seven and onwards before pouncing on his fatigued opponent.
However, there is no doubt about Smith’s credentials. His extensive experience against top-tier opponents provides him with a psychological edge. His ability to withstand punishment and continue pressing forward can wear down less experienced fighters. If McKenna cannot establish dominance early, Smith’s resilience may tilt the fight in his favour. He also boasts a great knockout record in his recent bouts. All his previous four wins have come via TKO.
Smith’s approach will probably centre on closing the distance and applying constant pressure. He will utilise a high guard to absorb McKenna’s early jabs and counters while positioning himself to land powerful body shots and hooks. Smith’s experience in championship rounds will be crucial as he seeks to wear down McKenna and capitalise on any lapses in defence.
This bout between Liam Smith and Aaron McKenna is more than a fight. It is a crossroads in both fighters’ careers. Smith seeks to prove that his experience and grit can overcome the new generation. McKenna aims to establish himself as a legitimate contender in the middleweight division. Fans can expect a thrilling contest that showcases contrasting styles and strategies. However, we think ultimately McKenna’s youth will outdo Smith’s experience. The youngster could one day become one of the best Irish boxers, and this is where the journey may start.
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna Fight Outcome
This is the toughest fight of Aaron McKenna’s young career, but there is a clear path to victory. McKenna boasts a six-inch reach advantage over Smith. The Silencer will use his jab to keep Smith at bay, jumping in and out of range and avoiding big exchanges with a powerful puncher. He will aim to tire out Beefy heading into the later stages, where he can begin to steal clear rounds on his way to a decision victory.
Every game plan sounds great on paper, but we must remember who McKenna is fighting here. Smith is the perfect underdog, proven by his shock victory over Chris Eubank Jr in January 2023. This is an enormous step up in competition for the Irishman. Smith is no stranger to fighting as the smaller man and will be prepared to fight on the back foot. While we expect McKenna to edge this fight, Beefy is as dangerous as they get. The underdog moniker suits him down to the ground.
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna Betting Tips
- Fight Winner – Aaron McKenna to win: Boxing odds are tight for this fight, but Aaron McKenna is the favourite. The Irishman looks destined for great things in the sport and can establish himself as a future star with a victory here. Smith struggled in his last fight and is entering the twilight of his career. Bet on McKenna to use his youth to get past Smith, worth 3/5. It is worth noting that Beefy has won against the odds before. If you think Smith can pull off another upset, he is worth 11/10.
- Method of Victory – Aaron McKenna via decision: McKenna is not known for his punching power. The Silencer has finished barely half of his fights via TKO, with nine of his 19 victories coming via the judges’ scorecards. You can increase the odds of a McKenna victory by betting on the method, and a decision is the most likely. A bet on the Irishman to win via decision is worth 8/5 with our online betting site.
- Either Fighter to Score a Knockdown: We have seen a knockdown in all of Smith’s previous five fights. The same has happened in three of McKenna’s last five. Both men will need to score with the judges, and we are expecting another knockdown here. A bet on either fighter to score a knockdown in the fight is worth 9/10. You can increase those odds by backing either man. Beefy has knocked down all of his last four opponents. A bet on Smith to score a knockdown is worth 11/4.
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna Head-To-Head and Key Stats
These two fighters enter this weekend at opposite ends of their careers. However, separating these two is easier said than done. Let’s examine each fighter’s form and statistics to see how they match up.
Liam Smith’s Form
Liam Smith is a veteran boxer with an excellent career under his belt. The Liverpool man made his debut in 2008 and dominated the regional scene in Merseyside. He broke out in 2012 and 2013, winning the vacant Commonwealth and British light-middleweight titles. Beefy continued his upward trajectory. In 2025, he became the second British fighter to win the WBO light-middleweight title when he defeated John Thompson by TKO. He defended his belt twice before dropping it to future great Canelo Álvarez in 2016.
Smith has gone on to fight in incredibly entertaining rivalries against the likes of Liam Williams, Anthony Fowler and most recently Chris Eubank Jr. His highly entertaining battles with the latter saw him shock the boxing world when he TKO’d him against the odds in January 2023. He enters this fight with a 33-4-1 record with 20 KO/TKOs.
Smith’s strengths lie in his ability to apply relentless pressure and fight at a high tempo. He thrives in close-quarters exchanges, using his physical strength and technical precision to outwork opponents on the inside. One of Smith’s most notable assets is his body punching. He consistently targets the midsection with powerful hooks that sap the energy from his opponents and open up opportunities upstairs as the fight progresses.
Smith’s Previous Five Fights
- Lost. Chris Eubank Jr. via TKO (RD 10)
- Def. Chris Eubank Jr. via TKO (RD 4)
- Def. Hassan Mwakinyo via TKO (RD 4)
- Def. Jessie Vargas via TKO (RD 10)
- Def. Anthony Fowler via TKO (RD 8)
Aaron McKenna’s Form
Aaron McKenna is one of Ireland’s brightest rising stars in boxing, known for his athleticism, technical sharpness, and unrelenting work ethic. The Silencer made waves early in his career by winning multiple Irish amateur titles. McKenna turned professional at just 18 years old. He signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2017, becoming the youngest Irish fighter to do so, and made his debut in the United States. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his crisp jab and fluid combinations while remaining composed well beyond his years.
McKenna’s professional journey has been a steady ascent through the middleweight ranks. He remained undefeated through his first 18 bouts, gaining valuable experience fighting across the US, UK and Europe. With a strong promotional backing and a carefully managed path, he has transitioned from prospect to legitimate contender. In recent fights, he has added more power and aggression to his naturally technical style, scoring several impressive stoppages. He enters this bout with a 19-0 record with 10 KO/TKOs.
McKenna’s strengths lie in his rangy, textbook boxing style, excellent footwork, and ability to control the distance. He operates effectively behind a long, accurate jab and uses his movement to avoid unnecessary exchanges. He’s a volume puncher with sharp shot selection, able to vary his attack and keep opponents guessing. While not yet tested at the elite level, McKenna’s discipline, size, and developing physicality make him a dangerous and intelligent operator inside the ring.
McKenna’s Previous Five Fights
- Def. Jeovanny Estela via TKO (RD 7)
- Def. Mickey Ellison via TKO (RD 6)
- Def. Uisma Lima via Unanimous Decision.
- Def. Jordan Grant via Unanimous Decision.
- Def. David Benitez via TKO (RD 7)
