Tyrone McKenna vs Mohamed Mimoune: Belfast rematch born out of 'pure and utter hatred' says Jamie Conlan

Jamie Conlan expects sparks to fly when Tyrone McKenna clashes with old rival Mohamed Mimoune on August 3. The pair are set to meet in a heated rematch at Belfast's SSE Arena, some four years on from their controversial first fight.

McKenna came in for severe flak when he got a unanimous decision back in July 2020 during the Golden Contract Super-Lightweight series, with many believing Mimoune should have had his hand raised at London's York Hall.

The Belfast boxer is coming out of a short retirement to silence any lingering doubt over that fight, in what could be the perfect swansong to his career, according to Conlan Boxing supremo Jamie.

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"It is a fight full of hatred. Tyrone McKenna taking on Mohammed Mimoune," Conlan told Belfast Live.

"We talk about retirements, and Tyrone is one of those fighters who found it tough to call it quits. He wanted to headline the SSE Arena before he retired, and some names were thrown at him.

"Mimoune was one of those names, and Tyrone wants to right the wrongs of their first fight. It is a fight that doesn't need any titles or fancy thrills attached to it. It is sheer and utter hatred between both of them.

"Boxers let on they genuinely hate each other, they don't. This is a business and they want to make as much money as possible and get home to their families. But not these two.

"They want to fight and hurt each other and cause each other physical pain. It is a fight that has been talked about for a while, since their fight of the year contender in 2020."

The first bout was a barnstormer, and it had been hoped to run the rematch long before now. That ambition looked dashed when McKenna announced his retirement in the aftermath of his defeat to Lewis Crocker last December.

But it wasn't long before 'The Mighty Celt' started doubting his decision to ride off into the sunset, and now he is ready to throw it all on the line once again.

The 34-year-old has been putting in the hard graft in Thailand, leaving no stone unturned as he looks to end any doubt over his rivalry with Mimoune.

"It felt like the rematch was gone, but when it was brought back up both men jumped at it. It is a fascinating fight, and they are both longer in the tooth. How it transpires, nobody knows," Conlan added.

"I hope this is a final farewell for Tyrone. I think it is a fantastic one to go out on, beating Mohammed Mimoune and silencing all the trolls who tortured him after the first fight.

"It can be like a big weight off his shoulders. He has taken this as serious as any other fight. He took himself off to Thailand and away from his family and friends.

"This is a massive opportunity for him and one he won't let slip through his fingers."

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