New York City — Callum Walsh, the highly touted Irish super welterweight prospect, faced intense scrutiny in his triumphant bout at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The sell-out crowd of 3,014 saw a fierce contest between the young veteran Ismael Villarreal and Walsh.
Legendary boxing Hall of Famer Larry Holmes and announcer Gerry Cooney, sat across from each other, witnessed by UFC CEO Dana White, WWE president Nick Khan, former pro wrestler Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and 360 Promotions promoter Tom Loeffler. Super lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez added to the star-studded audience.
There was immense pressure on Walsh, but he rose to the occasion in a hard-fought battle, being knocked down in the 10th round, narrowly avoiding defeat. However, he managed to secure a challenging unanimous decision, with judges scoring 97-92 twice and 96-93 in favor of Walsh. Yahoo Sports also had it 96-93 for him.
“He performed excellently,” Roach told Yahoo Sports. “I believe he won every round, and the kid came to fight. He wasn’t just there for a payday. He fought, and I thought Callum handled himself well.”
Villarreal, with a 13-1 record, nine knockouts, and an impressive chin, brought a significant challenge, posing a threat to Walsh. Despite being rocked at times, Walsh exhibited his resilience and skill, impressing the audience.
“Great match between two rising talents,” White commented. “No mismatch, no easy wins; great matchmaking. That’s why I love Tom’s fights.”
At 9-0, Walsh showcased the poise and experience of a more seasoned fighter. After facing adversity from Villarreal’s low blow and head-butt, Walsh fought back, demonstrating his refusal to be intimidated.
Walsh’s agility and power were evident, though at times, he engaged in unnecessary exchanges with Villarreal. Despite being dropped in the 10th, Walsh displayed his boxing skills and resilience, leaving spectators impressed.
“I’m very happy,” Walsh said. “I’m 22 years old and I’m fighting real guys. That guy was definitely a real fighter. So yeah, definitely happy with that; real happy.”
Walsh’s future as a world champion remains uncertain. While showing great promise, he still continues to evolve and work on his skills.
Overall, Walsh’s performance electrified the crowd, leaving fans eager to see him in action again.
“I wasn’t trying to load up on my punches,” Walsh said. “I was trying to box and use my boxing ability and my speed, and I think I did that.”
