Rising star McKenna wins Irish title in first Senior bout

It was a dream Senior debut for Stephen McKenna on Friday night.

The Baby-Faced Assassin won the Elite light flyweight title after overcoming Regan Buckley at the National Stadium.

The decorated underage star spoke to irish-boxing.com after the win and the Monaghan hot-shot explained that it “was my first fight without the head-guards.”

“I’m only back form the European Youth Championships where I won a silver medal.”

“This was my big step up and I took it.”

The youngster, who also won Commonwealth Youth gold this year, predicts a bright future for himself in the big leagues, reasoning that “I like it without the head-guard, I prefer it.”

“You can feel more, you can move more, you don’t get caught as much.”

“I prefer Senior boxing, it’s a lot tougher but it’s better.”