Callum Walsh’s rapid rise to prominence has had some unexpected consequences.
The 22-year-old Irishman has found himself in a rare position reached early in his career at such a young age: headlining at Mecca.
Walsh (8-0, 7 KOs) will take on Bronx veteran Ismael Villarreal (13-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight main event Thursday night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. We will compete against each other.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Walsh told the Post. “To be honest, it doesn’t feel real. I’m going to enjoy it. For me, it’s an important moment to prove that I’m ready for this kind of fight and that I’m ready for the next level.” It’s going to be a night. It’s going to be a big step up in the arena, a big step up against the opponent, and a good night to prove how good I am.”
Thursday’s fight, like Walsh’s past seven fights, will be streamed on Dana White’s UFC Fight Pass.
This partnership was central to Mr. Walsh’s earlier than expected promotion.
White, the outspoken CEO of the UFC, has long been a vocal critic of boxing and its business model, which is much more decentralized than his MMA promotion.
But Walsh, through Tom Loeffler, an influential promoter known for building Gennady Golovkin into one of the sport’s most popular superstars, formed a partnership with White, who had seen many of Walsh’s fights. is.
Walsh liked White’s blueprint for marketing martial arts stars, especially fellow countryman Conor McGregor.
And White was a fan of Walsh’s ambition and desire to fight the best as quickly as possible.
“Dana had seen me fight a few times and knew I wasn’t just your average boxer who was going to have an easy fight,” Walsh said. “He understands that I’m actually a huge UFC fan and I think the same way and the best fights are the best and it doesn’t matter. That’s why Dana is my I think that’s why I love him so much and the reason why he’s so supportive of my career is knowing that I’m never going to have an easy fight and I’m always going to give my best fight. Because there is.
“And if he wanted to be involved in boxing, he would have someone who would put up with tough matches and fight any opponent that was put in front of him.”
The result was to introduce Walsh in front of both boxing fans and UFC fans, helping him market himself to a wider audience.
Walsh, who was coached by the legendary Freddie Roach, who once coached Manny Pacquiao, has also had the chance to defeat opponents such as Miguel Cotto and Julio Cesar Chavez, overwhelming his opponents with ferocious force. He had very few blemishes in his career.
Despite taking an unconventional path, Walsh has emerged as one of boxing’s most intriguing young talents.
And he believes he’s changing boxing in the process.
“I can understand why mixed martial arts fans don’t really like boxing, because no one wants to have a tough fight,” Walsh said. “Everyone picks who they want to fight, but in the UFC you don’t have a choice. The best fights are the best. And when it comes to the UFC, if someone loses a fight, it doesn’t matter. Come back and start fighting again.
“On the other hand, in boxing, one loss means a lot to your career. Everyone has something like Floyd Mayweather. [they want to be] 50 wins and 0 losses, that’s such a big deal that everyone inflates their records. …
“[White] I know I’m young, I’m hungry, and I don’t care who I fight. Fight anyone, anywhere. Who would want to work with a boxer who picks and chooses his matches? Why wouldn’t you want to work with me when you have a young guy like me who just came from Ireland and has fought everyone and fought and defeated everyone? ”
Walsh, who rose to the top of stardom, came from a poor background.
He believes he is an example of what any working person can achieve.
“I was working on a fishing boat seven days a week just to buy a car to go to training that night,” Walsh said. “I’ve worked hard all my career. I didn’t get this easily. I’ve never had an easy fight. I’ve always fought against the best. I want people to understand that I’m not special.
“I’m just like everyone else.”
