I’d love to give UFC a proper go
Cobh southpaw won’t be fazed by bright lights as he prepares to headline in New York City once more
CALLUM WALSH will headline Madison Square Garden for the second time in four months this March, just weeks after his 23rd birthday.
The Cork southpaw has based himself right in the middle of Hollywood’s hustle and bustle, a place he describes as “a mad gaff ”, and somewhere that is a world away from the quiet town of Cobh where he grew up and where he loves to return whenever he gets the chance.
Super welterweight Walsh made the trip to America during the pandemic when gyms weren’t open in Ireland and after two failed attempts to get into the States after quarantining in Mexico, it was third time lucky and the then 20-year-old knocked on the door of Freddie
Roach’s gym, just off
Sunset Boulevard.
One of the greatest boxing coaches of all time,
Roach has worked with multiple world champions including
Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and James Toney, as well as Irish greats Steve Collins and Bernard Dunne.
And prior to Walsh’s last fight in November, Roach (inset) predicted that the six-time Irish amateur champ and European gold medallist would be a world champion within the next 12 months. “I’m very lucky to be in with Freddie from such a young age,” says Walsh.
“I was 20 when I got there, I’m 23 now in February so I’ve had three years of learning from Freddie and the fact that I had 120 amateur fights, I had the amateur style from the six national titles, European gold medal and then going to Freddie Roach and learning the pro style from him.
“I’ve two different styles now.
I can box if I have to or I can stand and fight.
“The amount of knowledge that Freddie has, I’m still learning every single day, even after three years of being there, he’s still showing me new things so over the next 12 months we’ll see what happens.”
Walsh has won all nine of his pro bouts to date, including seven by knockout.
Last year saw him win his first pro title, the WBC USA Silver Super Welterweight Title, after a fourth round stoppage victory over American veteran Carson Jones.
He has successfully defended the belt twice since against
Cfallum Walsh’sfrecent Watch fights on UFC Fight Pass, the home to worldclass combat promotions and major sporting events, giving fans access to thousands of hours of content and live events worldwide. experienced Argentinian Juan Jose Velasco, who quit in his corner after the fourth round, and Bronx native Ismael Villarreal at Madison Square Garden, when Walsh was dropped in the final round but won via a unanimous decision.
“It was a tough fight and I knew it was going to be,” recalls Walsh. “He tried to beat me and we had a good fight. I felt like I won the fight handy enough and that was it.
“First fight in Madison Square Garden and I’m going to go back there March 15 on St Patrick’s weekend and I’m going to headline again, twice in four months and nobody has done that for a long time.”
BACKING Dana White can see the potential in Walsh
CALLUM WALSH says he would love to fight in the UFC at some stage in his career.
The Cobh man is backed by one of the most powerful people in combat sports in Dana White, with the youngster becoming the first boxer signed by the UFC President.
Walsh recently won the UFC Fight Pass Fighter of the Year Award for 2023, an accolade that every other year has been given to an MMA fighter.
“I’m the first boxer he’s ever been behind,” says Walsh. “People are always asking why me and I’m thinking the same thing.
“I’ve proven that I’ll fight anyone, never turn down an opponent, I never even ask who my opponent is. I just show up and I fight.”
With regard to trying his hand at MMA at some point, he said: “It’s something I would love to do because I’m a massive UFC fan
“I wouldn’t just do it now. I’m going to focus on boxing right now and win as much as I can. Maybe when I’m not in camp or whatever, train some MMA and do it right.
“If I was going to do it, I’d do it properly. I’m not going to just walk in there, get taken down and get smashed after two seconds.
“I know James Toney did it years ago against Randy Couture, he got taken down and just smashed. He couldn’t get up so I don’t want to be one of those fellas because that’s what those boys are going to try and do is a takedown.
“No UFC fighter would want to stand with me and trade punches, they’re going to try a takedown or whatever.
“If I was going to do it, I would do it right. I would train (in MMA). Everything I do, I want to be good at, I want to be the best at.”