Zuffa Boxing Launches with High-Stakes Matchup: Walsh vs. Ocampo
Professional boxing has a new player in the game, and it’s making its debut this Friday night. Zuffa Boxing, a promotion co-founded by UFC president and CEO Dana White, will host its inaugural fight series, headlined by a compelling middleweight contest between rising contender Callum Walsh and the experienced Carlos Ocampo. The event, dubbed Zuffa Boxing 01, takes place in Las Vegas on the eve of UFC 324 and will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+.
The launch of Zuffa Boxing signals a significant shift in the boxing landscape, backed by the considerable influence and promotional power of the UFC. Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) is positioned as a potential cornerstone of the new promotion. The Irish fighter has already garnered attention, previously featured on UFC Fight Pass and most recently securing an important decision victory over Fernando Vargas in September, a bout that took place on the undercard of the high-profile Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown. Currently ranked No. 4 and No. 5 by the IBF and WBC at junior middleweight, Walsh will move up in weight for this fight.
“Every time that I do something, I build a team around me that’s extraordinary. This is what the matchmakers for boxing came up with,” White told CBS Sports on Wednesday. “We believe that this is a strong card. Obviously, Callum is a kid that I’ve supported for a long time. People thought that I was his manager… I’ve never made a dollar off Callum. I’ve just liked him from the time I met him and I’ve backed him, and here we are today. Just because I’ve had a relationship with this kid and he’s in this position… I don’t determine who wins the fights.”
Ocampo (38-3, 26 KOs) represents a formidable test for the undefeated Walsh. The Mexican fighter’s only losses have come against top-tier competition in title fights – Errol Spence Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and Tim Tszyu – demonstrating his resilience and skill. He has recently rediscovered his form, entering Zuffa Boxing 01 with three consecutive knockout victories, albeit against lesser-known opponents.
Beyond the main event, a noteworthy bout on the main card features Julian Rodriguez (24-1, 15 KOs) facing off against Cain Sandoval (17-0, 15 KOs). Rodriguez is coming off a thrilling tenth-round stoppage of Avious Griffin, while Sandoval remains undefeated, having dispatched almost all of his opponents by knockout.
Here’s how to watch Zuffa Boxing 01:
- Date: January 23
- Location: Meta APEX – Las Vegas
- Prelims Begin: 6 p.m. ET
- Main Card Begins: 9 p.m. ET
- Watch Live: Paramount+ (subscribe now for just $8.99 per month)
Subscribing to Paramount+ will also grant access to UFC 324 on Saturday, as well as every other UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night. Plans start at $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.
Zuffa Boxing 01 Fight Card & Odds:
- Callum Walsh (-700) vs. Carlos Ocampo (+450) – Middleweights
- Misael Rodriguez Olivas (-700) vs. Austin Deanda (+450) – Middleweights
- Cain Sandoval (-200) vs. Julian Rodriguez (+155) – Welterweights
- Omar Trinidad (-265) vs. Max Ornelas (+205) – Bantamweights
- Floyd Diaz (-1400) vs. Guillermo Gutierrez (+750) – Bantamweights
- Emiliano Cardenas (-1100) vs. Marcus Cortez Harris (+600) – Bantamweights
- Robert Meriwether III (-3000) vs. Cesar Correa (+1000) – Lightweights
- Troy Nash (-2000) vs. Jacob Ramos (+850) – Lightweights
Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the professional boxing world is poised to shake up the established order, offering fans a new platform and a fresh perspective on the sweet science. The success of this initial event will be crucial in determining the promotion’s long-term viability and its ability to attract top talent and build a dedicated fanbase.
