Callum Walsh: Dana White’s Favorite Boxer
Callum Walsh, the 23-year-old, is seen as one of Ireland’s most exciting up-and-coming fighters.
Walsh was born in Cork, Ireland, and is currently being trained by Freddie Roach. The latter has trained some of the best fighters in the sport, including Manny Pacquiao. Tom Loeffler is currently promoting Walsh. Callum is a six-time Irish champion and has won a European gold medal. He turned professional in 2021. His current record is 12-0, with ten wins by way of knockout. He made his homecoming in his last fight against Przemyslaw Runowski. Walsh performed spectacularly by stopping his opponent in the second round.
Smith’s Rise
Walsh will aim to become one of Ireland’s finest boxers moving forward. He has plenty of names to look up to, including Wayne McCullough, Barry McGuigan, Carl Frampton and Jimmy McLarnin. More recently, Katie Taylor will serve as a good example as she is a two-weight undisputed champion, making her one of the best female fighters ever.
Walsh also has developed a good relationship with Dana White. The CEO of the UFC has backed the boxer, showing an interest in his career. Callum is the only boxer to have ever topped the bill of UFC Fight Pass cards. White has used the UFC to push his career. This could serve as a precursor for White’s entry into the sport of boxing.
White has previously teased the idea, with reports that he considered launching Zuffa Boxing in 2018. He also helped Irishman Conor McGregor make his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, the only time White got involved in boxing. The fight was significant as White allowed a UFC fighter to crossover. While McGregor came up short, losing via a tenth-round stoppage, it earned Conor a reported $100 million. Following the introduction of the Saudis into boxing, White has teased an entry into boxing. He could very well push Smith further, having praised the fighter. Smith also reciprocated his admiration for White.
White On Smith
“I met Callum Walsh a couple of years ago and I love the way he fights. I also love the fact that he’s not fighting guys to pad his record, like the typical boxing model. This is a kid who really believes in himself and his potential to become a world champion. I also love the fact that one of the greatest trainers in the history of the sport, Freddie Roach, believes in him. [And] I am very invested in this fight in Dublin and I’m really excited to not only bring a fight back to Ireland but to be sitting ringside to see Callum fight in his home country,” Dana White said
“I want to make these big fights happen and obviously, with Dana White helping and with a promoter like Tom Loeffler, I think we are going to change boxing a lot. I’m going to make these big fights happen. Even though I’m young I’ll fight anybody,” Smith stated
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