'He's always welcome': How a young Irish boxer befriended a rap legend (opens original article in a new tab)

Irish boxer Aaron McKenna developed a friendship with rapper Kendrick Lamar after sparring with him in 2018, with Lamar later attending one of McKenna's fights and expressing support. McKenna is now preparing for a world title bout in Dublin, where he has extended an open invitation to Lamar.

• Irish boxer Aaron McKenna sparred with Kendrick Lamar in 2018 at a Los Angeles gym
• Lamar attended McKenna's 2023 fight at Fantasy Springs casino and wished him luck
• McKenna is set to challenge for the IBF middleweight world title in Dublin in August