WATCH: Stevie McKenna scores first-round KO in pro debut

Stevie McKenna [1(1)-0] didn’t hang around in his long-awaited debut.

The 22-year-old Monaghan lightweight scored a first round stoppage in the early hours of this morning out in LA to finally kick off his pro career.

McKenna has been based in LA the past year alongside his dad Fergal and brother, 7(4)-0 Golden Boy prospect Aaron, and finally made his debut on a Red Boxing International bill at the Sports Arena in Pico Rivera in the South East of the city.

‘The Hitman’ made short work of Trey Branch [0-3(2)], having him down early before forcing the referee to wave off proceedings as he punishingly kept up the assault.

The bemulleted Bakersfield boxer Branch had sent some online barbs the way of McKenna but was not in the same stratosphere in terms of talent as the former Commonwealth Youth gold and European Youth silver medallist.

Stevie McKenna stops Trey Branch in less than a round. 1-0, 1KO. Lift-off for ‘The Hitman!’ pic.twitter.com/5cQePABSKG

— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) April 7, 2019

McKenna, alongside his brother Aaron and middleweight Jason Quigley, is managed by Sheer Sports. Unlike this Golden Boy duo, he is yet to sign a promotional deal but it is understood that arrangements will soon be in place.

The younger McKenna fought last week, going six rounds for the first time, dominating Loretto Olivas.