Contrasting fortunes in America for John Joe Nevin and Aaron McKenna

There were contrasting fortunes for Irish boxers in America last night.

Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin scored the best win of his pro career so far in Philidelphia, but teenage sensation Aaron McKenna saw his fight date in Los Angeles fall through at the very last minute.

Nevin, in what was his first eight-rounder, thoroughly outboxed previously undefeated Mexican Alex Torres Rynn at the Parx Casino in the Philly suburb of Bensalem.

The game Canada-based Rynn pushed throughout, but Mullingar’s Nevin was too classy and took a wide unanimous decision with scorecards of 80-72 (twice) and 79-73.

28-year-old Nevin now improves to 10(4)-0 and the win hopefully marks the start of some momentum being built in his career.

Across the country, though, there was huge disappointment for McKenna [1(0)-0].

The Monaghan welterweight was due to fight live on ESPN at The Hangar in L.A., but issues with his opponent saw the bout called off mere hours beforehand.

Mexican Adolfo Caro was found to have falsified documents and was pulled from the card by the California State Athletic Commision.

A new date for 18-year-old McKenna – who also saw his debut delayed by a week due to opponent problems – will be announced shortly.