Aaron McKenna vs Jevoanny Estela Preview
Irish boxing is on the rise. Monaghan’s unbeaten star Aaron McKenna will fight Jeovanny Estela at the prestigious ‘Prizefighter’ tournament. The pair will clash in a quarterfinal on July 15th in Japan at the Yamato Arena. This is a massive opportunity for McKenna to become a genuine middleweight contender.
It won’t be an easy match for McKenna against the 14-0 Puerto Rican. However, it’s a great test for him and one that he will relish. The overall Prizefighter winner will walk away with about one million dollars.
Irish fans are desperate for a male boxing champion. McKenna is one of the most talented prospects on the island. Now he can announce himself on the world stage with superstardom within reach.
Aaron McKenna vs Jeovanny Estela Key Stats and Head-to-Head
McKenna has enjoyed an impressive rise in the welterweight division under the Matchroom banner. He has a 50% KO record and stopped his last two opponents. The Irishman also improves with every fight and has confidence in his abilities.
His last match was a victory over Mickey Ellison on the undercard of Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer. Matchroom booked him to defend his WBC International welterweight title against Linus Udofia, but his opponent pulled out. Ellison stepped in as a late replacement, however, this was a mismatch as McKenna made it look easy.
He won by TKO in enemy territory at Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Ellison had the potential to be a banana skin for McKenna. He brought a 14-3 record, veteran nous, and a distinct style to this fight. None of this fazed ‘Silencer’ who dispatched him with ease.
This was a dominant victory for the Monaghan man as he brutalised Ellison’s body. Finally, Ellison’s corner threw in the towel at the end of the sixth round to save their fighter from himself. McKenna improved to 18-0 and showed he’s a serious prospect.
‘Silencer’ immediately called out Chris Eubank Jr. after his win, but that didn’t attract the UK star. McKenna is on the rise, but he doesn’t possess mainstream name recognition. Instead, McKenna agreed to compete in the Prizefighter tournament and will face Estela. It’s been a frustrating year for both men because they originally scheduled the event for April. However, now they’re finally set to meet in the ring.
Estela is a dangerous opponent but has less experience than McKenna. His KO rate is also inferior with a 36% record or five finishes from 14 fights. “El Rayo’s’ last victory came over Juan Egana Elizalde at KO: Night of Champions in Orlando. He knocked the Mexican out for his second straight first-round finish. Estela has been on the sidelines since that fight in December 2023 and is champing at the bit.
McKenna is the favourite because he’s a slightly more mature fighter. He also has more experience than Estela having competed on major cards. Matchroom has given him more exposure than the Puerto Rican native. McKenna’s win over Uisima Lima is the most impressive victory on either man’s record.
Here’s the second-round finish by Aaron McKenna. Also had his opponent down in the first. pic.twitter.com/7I5VlFz2Ku
— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) June 22, 2019
Either fighter will receive a cool $100,000 bonus if the bout ends with a knockout. This incentive will drive these fighters on to pursue the finish. McKenna is the more clinical boxer and will fancy his chances of putting out Estela’s lights. The Irishman recognises this is a life-changing opportunity for him and plans to take full advantage.
However, the same can be said for ‘El Rayo.’ He knows he is an underdog, so there’s less pressure on his shoulders. If he pulls off a win, it will open doors for his career. This will be a fascinating match between two exciting prospects with massive dreams.
The ‘Prizefighter’ format has been a superb breakout platform for Irish boxers. Former champions Jono Carroll, Martin Rogan, and Willie Casey enjoyed success after winning it. Now there’s a chance for McKenna to add his name to this illustrious list.
Aaron McKenna vs Jeovanny Estela Predictions
Our boxing prediction is that McKenna will win this fight by knockout. The signs show he is a superior fighter. He has been training around the world throughout this period, including time at the Top Rank Gym. McKenna also worked extensively with iconic trainers, including Robert Garcia and Freddie Roach.
He has enjoyed some of the best coaching available and hopes to prove that he reached another level. These gyms also gave him access to elite training partners, including pound-for-pound champion Terence Crawford. This is invaluable to a young boxer looking to become one of the best on the planet.
Estela trains out of Miami and Orlando. He spent a couple of months working with Top Rank’s Xander Rayas at Sweatbox Boxing Gym under Javiel Centeno. He wants to make the most of all his opportunities and believes he can cause an upset. However, the signs point to a McKenna victory.
Top quality sparring with one of the best fighters on the planet @terencecrawford 🔥 Great preparation for July 15th in Japan 🥊 pic.twitter.com/WhuEfpneD5
— Aaron McKenna (@Aaronmckenna99) June 5, 2024
It’s worth noting Estela’s KO record is slightly misleading. It doesn’t reflect that he’s knocked down 10 of his previous opponents. Even though he doesn’t have many finishes, he has power. McKenna mustn’t underestimate the Florida resident.
A knockout is Estela’s best hope of winning this match. He could face problems if it goes into the later rounds. McKenna showed his grit and durability against Uisma Lima in his first WBC International title fight. His superior conditioning separated the two men when the match went past round eight.
‘Silencer’ is also elite from a longer range, so Estela must be wary of being too aggressive. McKenna has great uppercuts and clean combinations. Live betting is a good option for this match if Estela secures an early knockdown. The odds may swing in his favour, but we’d back McKenna to come back in the later rounds.
Aaron McKenna vs Jeovanny Estela Betting Tips
Looking at the odds, the Silencer is the clear favourite. Betting on McKenna to win this fight would not yield fantastic returns. With odds worth 4/1, a €10 wager will only give you €2.50 in profit.
Check out our sports betting site for other boxing markets and prop bet opportunities. Why not pick the method of victory? The Irishman has a decent KO record and is in form. It’s more lucrative to back McKenna to secure the finish than just to win. If you’re feeling extra-confident, consider selecting the round.
Meanwhile, the Puerto Rican star is a sizeable underdog, but he fancies his chances of an upset. You can bet on Estela to win at 13/5. This time, a successful €10 wager would win €26. It’s not impossible because these are young men fighting a long way from home. Estela is also somewhat of an unknown quantity because he hasn’t had the same level of opponent as McKenna.
Boxing matches also offer great over-under odds. This fight will probably go beyond five rounds based on their recent records. However, McKenna may secure an early finish because he’s been working hard on upgrading his skills. His time away from the ring may stand in his favour.
There can only be one ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/8go9hT9NRL
— Aaron McKenna (@Aaronmckenna99) May 22, 2024
Maybe you think that this boxing match will go to a decision? If that’s the case, McKenna is the likeliest winner. He enjoys superior coaching and has access to elite conditioning. He learnt valuable lessons from the tough Lima victory. Use our welcome bonus to maximise your returns without risk.
Check out ‘Prizefighter’s’ other big match-ups. The Japan title is on the line between Riku Kunimoto and Eiki Kani. Former Team GB athlete Mark Dickinson fights the dangerous Kazuto Takesako. Consider creating an accumulator with all the favourites.
Aaron McKenna vs Jeovanny Estela Outcome
The winner of this match will proceed to the semi-final. This is a tremendous opportunity for both men to earn lucrative winnings and to make a name. Japan’s Kazuto Takesako is arguably the most dangerous fighter in the tournament. The former WBO international champion has 15 knockouts in 16 wins. McKenna aims to win his next two fights before moving onto the global stage and becoming a true title contender.
The outcome will be similar for Estela if he beats McKenna. He doesn’t have the same profile as the Irish fighter but will attract promoters with a win in Osaka. Some will say that he has nothing to lose. That’s not the case because this is a rare chance to break out and enter the mainstream. The prize money would provide him with financial stability, but bigger glory and riches await.