All you need to know about Callum Walsh vs. Ismael Villarreal
Prized prospect Callum Walsh from Ireland will make his New York City debut against Ismael Villarreal on November 9. The fight takes place the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, just a few days before UFC 295, and will air on UFC Fight Pass.
Walsh, trained by Freddie Roach and promoted by Tom Loeffler, turned pro in 2021. The Cork-born Walsh has won three fights in 2023, all via knockout, with his last bout being a retirement win over Juan Jose Velasco in August.
Working alongside UFC CEO Dana White, “King” looks to be the next big thing from Ireland in combat sports since Conor McGregor.
“Every fighter aspires to fight at Madison Square Garden,” said Walsh. “It’s a big combat sports week and a dream come true to fight at ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ in New York City ahead of UFC 295. I can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans and my Irish compatriots.”
Villareal, who lives in the Bronx, will be the hometown favorite. The 26-year-old turned pro in 2017 and has won nine contests via knockout. After losing to Andreal Holmes Jr. in February, he rebounded with a TKO win over John David Martinez in September.
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“My dream is to be a world boxing champion and to achieve it I have to eliminate all the obstacles that come my way, and Callum Walsh will be no exception,” said Villarreal. “I will be happy to do it in New York in front of my fans, in the city where I was born and have lived all my life. I know that this victory will open the doors for me to compete in a world championship no later than 2024. On November 9, the boxing world will know who Ismael ‘Maelo’ Villarreal is.”
Here’s all you need to know about the fight, including time, channel, odds, card, and more.
Walsh vs. Villarreal will be available on UFC Fight Pass.
Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS via the following: personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.
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The fight takes place at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden. The theater can hold up to 5,600 people.
Betting odds are not available yet for the fight.
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