Early Training and Unexpected Spectator
Aaron McKenna and his brother Stephen had sparred numerous rounds together, establishing a familiar routine during their formative years as Irish boxers training in Los Angeles. The siblings pushed each other rigorously, with McKenna acknowledging the competitive nature of their sessions.
In 2018, during one such session, an unexpected spectator elevated the atmosphere—Kendrick Lamar was watching from ringside. The rap superstar had just completed his own training at the gym when McKenna and his brother commenced eight rounds of technical sparring.
"Me and Stephen looked at each other straight away," McKenna recalled.
He noted that their competitive spirit was intensified by Lamar’s presence.
Developing a Connection
At the time living in California, McKenna frequently encountered Lamar at the gym. They began conversations and developed a rapport.
"We got talking to him after and got on well with him," McKenna said. "Real nice fellow, down to earth, no arrogance or nothing."
Support at a Major Fight
When McKenna had a fight scheduled at Fantasy Springs Casino, located over four hours from Los Angeles, Lamar chose to attend. Just before McKenna was set to enter the ring, the rapper appeared at his dressing room door.
"He came to my dressing room and wished me luck," McKenna recounted. "For someone of his magnitude to come in and wish me luck just shows how good of a person he is."
McKenna subsequently secured a second-round knockout victory.
Continued Friendship and Lamar’s Rising Fame
The two maintained contact until McKenna returned to Ireland with his family during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, Lamar’s prominence has increased significantly.
In 2025, Lamar won five Grammy Awards for his hit song Not Like Us and headlined the Super Bowl halftime show.
Preparing for a World Title
Speaking recently on the Sky Sports Toe2Toe podcast, McKenna reflected on the unlikely friendship. Now 26 years old, he is preparing for a significant milestone.
When Lamar observed him sparring ringside, McKenna was a teenager with only a few professional fights. In August, he will challenge Italian fighter Etinosa Oliha for the vacant IBF middleweight world title in Dublin.
"I'm starting to come into my prime years," he told NI. "This is where my career has really taken off. My next fight is for the world title, so I'm hitting the big stage now."
Years after attracting the attention of one of the world’s biggest music stars in a Los Angeles gym, McKenna is preparing for what could be the defining night of his career.
He is training at the family gym in Monaghan, with sparring partners traveling from the UK and the US to assist.
"Kendrick is always welcome," he said. "An open invitation anytime. Maybe he'll come to the fight."
