Stephen McKenna stopped Joe Laws in an explosive three-round contest on the undercard of Zak Chelli vs Callum Simpson at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley.

Before the fight, McKenna confidently predicted a first-round knockout, and early on, that seemed likely. He dropped Laws early in the opening round and was on the verge of making good on his promise.

McKenna relentlessly pursued Laws after he got back to his feet, pinning him against the ropes and breaking through his defenses with a barrage of heavy punches. However, in a dramatic twist, Laws landed a powerful left hook that sent McKenna to the canvas. This shot revitalized Laws, who began mounting pressure on the Irishman.

But that small window of opportunity didn’t last long, as the second round resumed McKenna’s dominance by absorbing Laws’ attacks and responding with punishing shots to both the head and body. In the third round, McKenna’s brutal right hands finally overwhelmed Laws, sending him down to the canvas and leaving him seated against the corner post. Laws spat out his mouthguard to gain a few extra seconds, but the punishment was too much. McKenna dropped him twice more in the round, with the final knockdown forcing Laws’ corner to throw in the towel.

In what many are already calling the Fight of the Year, McKenna, a knockout artist from Monaghan, Ireland, once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most exciting fighters to watch on TV. Fans no doubt will be eagerly awaiting news on his next fight.