Reid’s role in the McKenna brothers’ development is one of mutual respect and trust. He spoke highly of Fergal McKenna, the boys’ father and primary coach, and how they work together to guide the fighters. “Fergal is a good coach, and he trusts me
Jesse Reid, the Hall of Fame trainer, has high hopes for Aaron McKenna, the Irish boxer he believes has the potential to become a world champion. Reid, who has been mentoring Aaron alongside his brother Stephen McKenna and their father Fergal, expressed his pride in being part of their journey. He will be traveling to London next month to watch Aaron in action against Liam Smith on the highly anticipated Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn undercard.
Speaking to Boxing News magazine, Reid shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming bout. “My wife and I are definitely coming to London,” he confirmed. “I want to be involved. I’m pretty sure I’ll be in the corner on the night, but I’m not putting any demands on anyone. It’s up to Fergal.”
The 82-year-old trainer, known for his extensive experience in the sport, highlighted Aaron’s skill set, which he believes makes him a future world champion. “Aaron can be a world champion. He can fight on the inside, the outside, he rolls with punches, and he isn’t intimidated. I’m really proud to be part of the team,” Reid said. “He has all the qualities to reach the top.”
Reid also lauded the McKenna brothers as “good, tough boys” who demonstrate dedication and intelligence in their training. He praised their technical abilities and how they approach the sport with a sharp mind. “I like the boys’ intelligence, their height, and the way they use their minds. I love working with them,” he added. “I’m 82, but I still have my mind.”
Having spent decades in the sport, Reid has seen countless fighters come and go, but he believes that Aaron’s determination and adaptability set him apart. Reid noted that Aaron’s ability to fight effectively both on the inside and outside gives him a versatile edge over other competitors. His ability to roll with punches and stay composed under pressure speaks volumes about his potential for success on the global stage.
Reid’s role in the McKenna brothers’ development is one of mutual respect and trust. He spoke highly of Fergal McKenna, the boys’ father and primary coach, and how they work together to guide the fighters. “Fergal is a good coach, and he trusts me. He lets me talk to the boys, and I’m his backup. I’m a verbal kind of guy,” Reid explained. “Fergal lets me shout at them, and they look at me and do things I suggest in sparring. I’m happy as hell to be involved with both the boys.”
While Reid is full of praise for both brothers, he does believe that Stephen McKenna should consider moving up in weight to maximize his potential. “Aaron is at the weight he belongs, but Stephen is a super-welterweight and should be fighting at middleweight,” Reid said. “Fighting at super-welterweight hurt him. Stephen is strong, growing, and has great ability. Moving up to middleweight will allow him to utilize his strength and natural size more effectively.”
Despite the challenges of managing the brothers’ different career paths, Reid is confident that both Aaron and Stephen have the tools to achieve greatness. The team’s commitment to continuous improvement and the bond between father and trainers provides a solid foundation for their future success in the ring.
With Aaron’s upcoming fight against Liam Smith serving as a pivotal moment in his career, Reid is excited to see how the young fighter will perform. If Aaron continues to progress at his current rate, Reid’s belief in his world championship potential could soon become a reality.
