Veteran British warrior Liam “Beefy” Smith steps back into the spotlight this Saturday, April 26, as he takes on unbeaten Irish prospect Aaron Mckenna for the WBA International Middleweight Title at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The night also features another high-stakes showdown for the WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title.
Smith, a former WBO World Champion, is no stranger to WBA hardware. In 2021, he captured the WBA International Super Welterweight title with a statement win over Anthony Fowler. Now, at 36 years old and holding a record of 33-4-1 (20 KOs), he knows the clock is ticking—but he’s not done yet.
Standing in his way is the hungry and undefeated Aaron Mckenna, who brings a spotless 19-0 record, with 10 wins by knockout. Saturday marks Mckenna’s first shot at a WBA belt, and it comes against the most seasoned—and dangerous—opponent of his career. A win here could rocket him into world title contention.
Adding more heat to the London card, local favorite Anthony Yarde and rival Lyndon Arthur will settle the score in a trilogy bout for the WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship.
Yarde (26-3) suffered a close defeat to Arthur (24-2) back in 2020, but bounced back in emphatic fashion with a knockout victory in their 2021 rematch. This third meeting promises fireworks, with both men eyeing a path back to world title contention. One of Arthur’s two losses came at the hands of reigning world champion Dmitry Bivol, adding extra weight to this already intense rivalry.
With legacy, revenge, and gold on the line, London is bracing for a night of elite-level action that could shake up the international boxing landscape.
