Watch The Throne: ‘King’ Callum Walsh Is Coming For It All

At just 24 years old, Walsh (13-0, 11 KOs) has packed plenty into his four-year pro career. The Cork, Ireland native has trained under Freddie Roach , remained under the guidance of Tom Loeffler and 360 Promotions, and formed an alliance with UFC Boss Dana White. Not bad for a fighter with only 13 fights—and already ranked as high as No. 5 with the WBC.

“It’s been a good career,” said Walsh when reflecting. “I haven’t done much yet but winning fights. I have the best team in the world with Tom Loeffler, Freddie Roach, and Dana White. The team I have is unheard of, really, in boxing. I think I’m doing pretty well.”

A few weeks ago, trainer Freddie Roach shared a photo of a young Callum Walsh, taken when the two first crossed paths. For Roach, now guiding Walsh through training camp, it was a full-circle moment. Walsh vividly remembers that day and appreciates how a simple snapshot has turned into a living reality just a few years later.

“I remember I went there just to buy a tee shirt, knowing that Freddie was there every day,” Walsh told FightsATW. “I bought the shirt, met Freddie, and got the photo. I actually still have the shirt. It was the first one I ever bought from Wild Card. I went there to buy a shirt, and now I get them for free (laughs).”

“The Boxer Fella With UFC”

Visit Walsh’s Instagram page, and you will find the line, “The boxer fella with UFC.” That is an accurate depiction of how casual fans likely perceive him—talented, regionally decorated, but still waiting on that breakthrough moment. Yet to those closest to him—promoter Tom Loeffler and UFC president Dana White—he represents something far bigger. 

When White was named CEO of the new boxing venture—which includes Turki Alalshikh (Riyadh Season), Sela, Nick Khan (WWE), and TKO—the unveiling montage opened with none other than Callum Walsh. Was it a sign that Walsh is being positioned as the face of this bold new enterprise, or simply the benefit of having a great relationship with White?

“I haven’t heard much about it,” said Walsh. “I’m waiting on the call. Obviously, they have a lot of stuff to figure out before they start putting on events. At the moment, I’m doing what I’ve always been doing: Fighting and keep winning. If Dana wants me a part of it, I will be more than happy to jump in there and fight people over there.”

When Will Walsh Fight The Bigger Names of 154?

One of the more popular talking points among fans and media is when  Walsh will take that next step—facing a top contender or a former champion. While he has faced credible opposition so far, something tells me that Walsh has another gear that we have yet to see. With the junior middleweight division being one of the most loaded with talent, there are plenty of big names to choose from. With promoter Tom Loeffler’s strong ties across the major promotional outfits, the path to a marquee matchup feels increasingly within reach. So, does Walsh get the big fight soon?

“At any time, I think,” said Walsh about a big-name opponent. “I don’t pick and choose my opponents. I just fight the guy they put in front of me. I don’t look too much into the rankings or opponents. I just train every day, and they tell me when and where to fight. That’s it. I show up and get the job done.

“I trust the team. I don’t really talk to them about where I want to be. They know I want to be the best in the world. I think it’s only a matter of time. The main goal is to become a world champion, and I definitely think it will happen in the near future.”

June 21 Fight Against Elias Espadas

Saturday’s matchup with Espadas will be a good test for Walsh as his opponent has shared the ring with the likes of Xander Zayas, D’Mitrius Ballard, Yamaguchi Falcao, and more—bringing a level of experience that commands respect. Walsh believes he will be facing the best and most prepared version of Espadas that fans have seen in a while, which should make for a good fight.

“I think every fight is a step up and a good opportunity to show that I am ready for the next level. This is a good opponent to show that off against. I’m getting him off of two full camps, so he will be more than ready for this fight. He’s fought a lot of the other guys on shorter notice.”

Walsh has always prided himself on delivering for the fans, and Saturday’s fight against Espadas is no exception. Outcome aside, his mission remains the same. “The main thing for me is that I want people to know that I show up to fight. I will give you what you came to see. You’re never going to show up to see me fight and be sitting in the crowd, falling asleep. That’s what I don’t want for my career. Whether I win, lose, or draw, I want people to be entertained. I want people to leave and say, ‘That was a good fight. I want to see the next one.’

Callum Walsh stands on the verge of a breakthrough. A rising prospect-turned-contender, he is closer than ever to landing his first big fight. But first, he has to get past Elias Espadas. Saturday night, live on UFC Fight Pass, Walsh will step into the ring to either prove he is ready for a shot at a big name—or show that the hype might be a step ahead of the skill. We are just days away from finding out.