Aaron McKenna and Liam Smith in tense first face off ahead of fight
Aaron McKenna and Liam Smith were involved in a tense face off as the pair came face-to-face for the first time.
Monaghan middleweight McKenna faces the Liverpool veteran on the huge Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn card in London this weekend.
Neither man would look away in the first face off between the pair at the Grand Arrivals for Saturday's event, which took place in the English capital on Tuesday evening.
Speaking shortly before they came face-to-face, the 19-0 (10 KOs) McKenna said: "I've been waiting for a moment like this for a good while now. I've been calling for big fights these past two or three years.
"It's a fight I'm really excited for. I'm looking forward to it. It's just incredible to be part of the first ever Ring Magazine card. I know there's going to be a lot of eyes on me.
"This card is getting a lot of attention, so I plan to make the most of it and make a statement win come Saturday night."
Smith (33-4-1) has not been seen in the ring since losing his rematch with Eubank Jr in September 2023 and vows to return to action 'with a bang', saying that he has 'a point to prove'.
"Aaron McKenna is coming to try and finish my career - it's not that time just yet," said Smith.
"I've had experiences on all of the big stages. It's all irrelevant come Saturday night.
"I've done enough rounds in the gym. I've had enough fights over the years. I can't really blame ring rust. I'm looking forward to Saturday and I'm looking forward to being back.
"It's been a long time out and I'll be back with a bang."
He added: "I've got a point to prove," he admits. "I was horrendous last time out in the ring.
"You can't announce you're back until you perform under the lights. I need to win by any means necessary, but I need to put on a performance too for the people who have written me off after Eubank 2.
"I wasn't injured last time, I fell ill - which is even more frustrating for me coming off the back of a horrendous injury that was so evident to see when I fought Chris in the rematch. I feel I'm in a good place now.
"I want to beat Aaron and beat Aaron well. And then I'll call whoever I need to call out."
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