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Irish fighters in action this Summer
The fighting Irish are ready to turn the heat up this summer
With a whole host of Irish fighters in action, 2026 promises to be another memorable chapter for Irish boxing. With world titles on the line and Katie Taylor’s monumental farewell at Croke Park, It could prove to be the biggest year the sport has ever seen on these shores.
Ireland has long been one of boxing’s proudest nations. From legendary champions such as Barry McGuigan and Steve Collins to modern-day stars like Michael Conlan, Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor, the Emerald Isle has a proud tradition of producing world-class fighters. Now, along with Taylor, a new generation are ready to write that next chapter.
Pierce O’Leary
The local hero returns to Dublin’s 3Arena after capturing the vacant IBO light-welterweight title with a victory over Maxi Hughes at the venue in March. O’Leary faces another stern test as he takes on Mark Chamberlain, whose only professional defeat came against Josh Padley. The pair were due to meet in March, but illness forced Chamberlain to withdraw.
A product of the Dublin Docklands Boxing Club, O’Leary grew up just a stone’s throw from the 3Arena. He’ll once again enjoy the backing of thousands of raucous home supporters when he steps back into the ring this August. Nicknamed ‘Big Bang’, the nine-time Irish amateur champion has racked up an impressive 11 knockouts in 19 bouts. The unbeaten fighter will look to extend his perfect record and keep the IBO title in Dublin’s North Inner City after the final bell rings.
PIERCE O’LEARY FACES MARK CHAMBERLAIN ON SATURDAY 1 AUGUST AT 3ARENA, DUBLIN.
FIND TICKETS TO O’LEARY VS CHAMBERLAIN >>>
Aaron McKenna
The man from Monaghan returns to Ireland for his first pro fight on home soil as Zuffa Boxing 10 comes to Dublin. McKenna made history by becoming the youngest Irish boxer ever to turn professional, making his debut at just 18 years of age. Fighting out of Oscar De La Hoya’s legendary Golden Boy gym, the Irishman built quite the reputation on the American circuit.
Along the way, McKenna has attracted some high-profile admirers. He recently opened up about his unlikely friendship with GRAMMY Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar, who even attended one of his fights, highlighting just how much of a splash the Irishman has made across the Atlantic. Now 26, and following a standout victory over Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith, McKenna looks to capture the vacant IBF middleweight world title. Standing in his way is fellow unbeaten fighter, Etinosa Oliha. Someone’s 0 has to go when the pair meet in August. If all goes to plan for McKenna, he’s touted Canelo Alvarez and Chris Eubank Jr. as potential next opponents.
Callum Walsh
Another Irish fighter who made his name stateside, Cork’s Callum Walsh returns to Ireland after spending the early years of his professional career boxing in the US. Earlier this year, Walsh became the first boxer to headline a Dana White-backed Zuffa Boxing event. He now returns to the 3Arena as the co-main event on 8 August.
With the hall-of-fame trainer Freddie Roach in his corner, the 25-year-old will look to extend his unbeaten record with the hopes of a world title shot on the horizon. Roach has worked with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya in the past and is convinced that Walsh has what it takes to be world champion. The Irishman showed his resilience last time out. He recovered from a flash knockdown against Fernando Vargas Jr. before pulling away to claim victory on the Canelo vs Crawford undercard. Walsh’s opponent on 8 August is yet to be confirmed. Watch this space.
Zuffa Boxing 10 Undercard
There’s more than one McKenna in action on 8 August with Aaron’s brother Stevie also set to showcase his skills. Stevie, the older of the two, is known for his electric knockout power. With 16 pro fights under his belt, McKenna has 15 knockouts to his name. The 29-year-old has an impressive resume with only 1 professional loss. Also on the card is Moate’s ‘Mighty’ Joe Ward. Like the McKenna’s and Walsh, the heavy handed light-heavyweight has had most of his bouts in the US. Ward’s last outing was at Dublin’s National Stadium back in October 2024 where he put on a dominant display. He’ll be looking for more of the same this August.
ZUFFA BOXING 10 COMES TO 3ARENA, DUBLIN ON SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 2026.
FIND TICKETS TO ZUFFA BOXING 10 >>>
Katie Taylor
What more can be said about Katie Taylor’s career? The Olympic gold medallist turned professional in 2016 after conquering the amateur ranks. She has since replicated that success as a pro, becoming the undisputed champion at lightweight and holding all four major world titles simultaneously. Widely regarded as the greatest female boxer of all time, Taylor has inspired a generation and transformed women’s boxing. Now, she is set for the fairytale finale her career deserves as she headlines a packed Croke Park on Saturday 5 September.
The Bray Bomber has a chance to become boxing’s first undisputed three-weight world champion in the four-belt era. Standing in her way is unbeaten French contender Flora Pili, who will be determined to spoil the celebrations and end Taylor’s remarkable career on a sour note. You can see what Katie had to say about the historic occasion when we caught up with her HERE.
Taylor won’t be the only Irish star in action on the night, with an undercard packed full of the country’s most promising talent.
Taylor vs Pili Undercard
Heavyweight Thomas Carty faces the biggest test of his professional career as he prepares to take on British cult hero Dave ‘The White Rhino’ Allen. The North Dublin native is no stranger to boxing’s biggest stages. Carty has previously featured on the undercards of the two blockbuster Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron clashes and has also fought at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Now, he steps into the spotlight once again for what promises to be his toughest challenge to date.
It’s Limerick vs Belfast in the night’s welterweight contest as Paddy Donovan takes on a familiar face in Tyrone McKenna. The pair have sparred on multiple occasions and will look to outdo each other when the bright lights come on. A win is vital for Donovan with all signs pointing to a world title shot next.
Also on the card are 2020 Olympian Emmet Brennan, unbeaten bantamweight Matthew Boreland and two of Ireland’s most exciting prospects, Bobbi Flood and Adam Olaniyan.
KATIE TAYLOR VS FLORA PILI TAKES PLACE AT DUBLIN’S CROKE PARK ON SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026.
FIND TICKETS TO TAYLOR VS PILI >>>
Looking for even more knockout sport? Check out our sports guide for all of the edge-of-your-seat action that’s happening soon.
