As Tyrone McKenna gears up for his rematch against Dylan Moran, he draws motivation from the children he met in Palestine, pledging to make them proud.
Topics covered
In a highly anticipated rematch, Tyrone McKenna is set to face Dylan Moran on Saturday night at Windsor Park. The Belfast fighter carries not only the weight of expectation but also the hopes of young fans from Palestine, where he recently visited.
McKenna, who previously defeated Moran by knockout, is determined to deliver a performance that honors these supporters, many of whom live in challenging conditions.
McKenna’s Mission: A Fight for Hope
During a July trip to Palestine, McKenna had the chance to coach children in a refugee camp in Bethlehem, an experience that left a lasting impact.
“It was heartbreaking to see what the kids are going through,” he expressed in a recent interview. This trip inspired him to organize a boxing fundraiser in Belfast, aiming to provide resources for aspiring young boxers.
As McKenna prepares for his final bout, he speaks candidly about the struggles faced by these children.
“They love boxing, but they don’t have much in terms of facilities. They turn up every day eager to learn, despite the lack of proper equipment,” he noted. The resilience of these young fighters has motivated him throughout his training, pushing him to overcome his own doubts.
“There are times I don’t want to go to the gym, but remembering those kids makes me push through,” he said. McKenna is aware that many will be watching his fight from afar, gathered in their center in Bethlehem, cheering him on. “I can’t lose; I just can’t lose. They inspire me, and I want to inspire them back,” he asserted.
Preparing for the Rematch
Despite entering this rematch after a loss to Harlem Eubank, McKenna displays confidence, stating, “I feel great, weight’s good, camp went brilliantly.” His prior victory over Moran was marked by a spectacular knockout, and McKenna aims to replicate that success. Reflecting on their first fight, he recalled, “I felt like I was in rough shape walking out, but to deliver that performance was incredible.”
McKenna acknowledges that while he respects Moran’s determination, he feels prepared for whatever tactics Moran may bring. “He tried everything in our first fight, and none of it worked. I expect more of the same,” he said. The stakes are high for both fighters, but McKenna believes that fighting in front of his home crowd will give him an edge.
As the fight approaches, McKenna remains focused, understanding that every boxer presents a unique challenge. “Every fighter that puts on the gloves is dangerous,” he cautioned. While Moran is coming in prepared and confident, McKenna is equally aware that this is a pivotal moment in both their careers.
The Significance of the Night
McKenna is aware of the emotional weight this fight carries. “This is my farewell fight, and it’s going to be a special night,” he said, excited about the prospect of performing in front of a home crowd of 20,000 fans. This crowd could be the deciding factor in a match that holds implications far beyond the ring.
The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with McKenna’s supporters ready to back him. He acknowledges that the pressure is on but feels prepared to rise to the occasion. “This is the biggest fight of my life, and I think Moran may struggle with the intensity of the night,” he stated.
While some may doubt his claim of retirement, McKenna remains non-committal, saying, “We’ll see what happens. I always say it’s my last one, but then I get offered a fight and think, ‘Let’s go.’” Regardless of what the future holds, McKenna is set to make this night memorable, not just for himself but also for those who inspire him.
