It’s been over 19 months since Liam Smith last stepped into the ring. On Saturday, April 26, the 36-year-old former light-middleweight champion, whose last bout was a loss to Chris Eubank Jr. on September 2, 2023, will return to face rising contender Aaron McKenna on the undercard of Eubank Jr.’s grudge match against Conor Benn.
The much-anticipated showdown, dubbed ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves,’ will take place at the famed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The DAZN-streamed event features a stacked lineup that promises to enthrall Britain’s die-hard boxing fans. Aside from the Eubank Jr.-Benn and Smith-McKenna duels, the night will feature former champion Chris Billam-Smith taking on Brandon Glanton, while Anthony Yarde faces Lyndon Arthur. Another highlight includes a clash between Viddal Riley and Cheavon Clarke. So, ahead of fight night, let’s explore how Liam Smith and Aaron McKenna measure up.
Predicting Liam Smith vs. Aaron McKenna: Who has better stats and record?
On paper, it’s a battle of experience versus youth, if not contrasting styles. Liam Smith, who made his professional debut in October 2008, is a seasoned veteran who boasts a record that would earn the respect of any active champion. Hailing from Liverpool, Smith, whose brothers Paul, Stephen, and Callum are also boxers, climbed the domestic ranks by winning the Commonwealth and British titles. After securing WBA and WBO regional belts, his breakthrough came on October 10, 2015, when he defeated John Thompson to capture the vacant WBO light-middleweight title.
Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano undisputed Lightweight title – weigh-in ceremony Liam Smith seen during the Weigh-In ceremony leading up to super welterweight fight against Jessie Vargas at Hulu Theater at MSG. This bout before Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will fight for World Lightweight Title and that will be the first women s boxing fight to headline Madison Square Garden in history. New York New York United States Hulu theater at MSG Copyright: LevxRadin
A year later, however, he lost the belt to Canelo Alvarez. In 2018, he faltered in an attempt to reclaim it against Jaime Munguia. Since then, his career has included a mix of regional title wins. One of his most notable victories came in January 2023 when he stopped Chris Eubank Jr. in the fourth round.
With a record of 33 wins, 4 losses (2 by early stoppage), and 1 draw, Smith enters this bout in what many see as a last-ditch effort to revive his career. With 20 KOs to his name, he holds a knockout-to-win ratio of 61%.
In comparison, Aaron McKenna is relatively new to the professional scene. He made his debut on December 9, 2017. A former WBC Youth titleholder (2021), he later added the vacant WBC International belt in 2023. Undefeated in 19 fights, with 10 wins by knockout, the 25-year-old Monaghan native boasts a 53% KO rate.
Smith vs. McKenna: height, weight, reach comparison, and more
This is one area where McKenna clearly holds the advantage. Standing at 6’1″ (185 cm), he’s nearly two inches taller than the 5’9.5″ (177 cm) Liam Smith. McKenna also enjoys a significant reach advantage: 75 inches (191 cm) compared to Smith’s 69.3 inches (176 cm).
In their most recent fights, McKenna weighed in at around 159.5 lbs against Jeovanny Estela in Japan, while Smith tipped the scales at 160 lbs for his rematch with Eubank Jr.
Prediction
The main concern surrounding Liam Smith’s return is ring rust. At 36, and after a 17-month layoff, many question whether he still has the edge. His last performance against Eubank Jr. raised doubts about his sharpness and endurance.
On the other hand, Aaron McKenna brings youth, momentum, and activity. Fighting roughly twice a year in recent times, his last few wins came via early stoppage. Currently ranked 15th in the IBF’s middleweight division, a victory over a recognizable name like Smith could push him into broader contention.
While Smith’s grit and durability make him a tough opponent, oddsmakers view the fight as fairly even. That said, McKenna enters as the slight favorite, with -140 odds suggesting a 54% chance of victory over the +100 underdog Smith.
Can Liam Smith fend off the young challenger and make one more run at the top? Or will Aaron McKenna prove that youth and hunger prevail over experience? Let us know who you’re backing.
The post Liam Smith vs. Aaron McKenna Stats Comparison and Prediction: Record, Age, Height, Reach, Weight, and Knockout Ratio appeared first on EssentiallySports.
