By Francisco Salazar

The education of Aaron McKenna in the boxing ring continues tonight. And from the looks of things, that education will take place often in 2018.
McKenna will face Keasen Freeman in a four round bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, California.

The 18-year-old McKenna scored a knockout in his last bout, stopping Jose Palacios in the first round, also in Indio. McKenna (2-0, 1 KO) was more aggressive than in his pro debut, which took place on Dec. 9.

“I was setting down on my punches and letting my hands go more,” McKenna told BoxingScene.com in a recent interview. “I was very happy with my performance (that day), considering it was a knockout in the first round. I'm looking forward to my next fight and putting on a good show.”

McKenna, who is originally from Ireland and lives and trains in the Los Angeles area, is looking to fight often. After tonight’s fight, word is McKenna could fight again in June.

Aside from training and getting sparring in the gym, McKenna believes his progress as a prospect will be attributed to actual fights.

“I'm very happy with my progress. Golden Boy has eight fights planned for me this year. No less than six for me. So I'm going to be kept very busy. That's the way I want it to be. I'm going to have plenty of fights so I'm going to always be in shape. That's what I want.”

McKenna signed with Golden Boy Promotions in the fall and was scheduled to make his pro debut on Dec. 2, but his bout was scratched. McKenna believes Golden Boy, along with his management, will bring the best out of him.

“It's absolutely fabulous to be part of the best promotion in boxing. I'm going to have plenty of fights and I'm glad I could fight during any period I want. It's great to be part of an organization, with Oscar (De La Hoya), guide me early on in my career.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing