Did you know? Zuffa Boxing, the new venture from the UFC’s parent company, aims to disrupt the boxing world, and Callum Walsh is positioned as a key figure in that effort.
Las Vegas will host the first main event under the Zuffa Boxing banner on January 23, as Callum Walsh takes on Carlos Ocampo at the UFC Apex. The declaration came friday from UFC CEO Dana White, setting the stage for a junior middleweight bout streamed live on Paramount+.
Walsh headlines Zuffa Boxing’s Debut
The event will take place the night before UFC 324 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Walsh (15-0, 11 KO) has been a long-time prospect heavily promoted by White, with numerous fights previously broadcast on UFC Fight pass. His placement as the headliner for Zuffa boxing’s inaugural card solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the new promotion.
“I like Dana,” Walsh said in September, speaking to MMA Fighting. “Me and Dana have a great relationship. Dana has done so much for my career. He’s done so much for my life in general. I have no way of even repaying him, only by fighting and winning. The things that Dana has done for me, I’ll forever be loyal to Dana, no matter what. I’ll always defend Dana. I’ll always do my best to talk well about him. Because he is a genuine good guy. He does care about the fighters. He does a lot behind the scenes that people don’t see.”
A Rising Star Faces a Seasoned Opponent
Walsh has consistently delivered on the hype, securing victories against a series of developing fighters. Currently, he is ranked No. 4 by the IBF in the junior middleweight division, and also holds positions at No. 5 with the WBC and No. 13 with the WBO.
His most recent fight saw him earn a unanimous decision win over Fernando Vargas Jr. on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s victory against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Ocampo (38-3, 26 KO) presents a significant step up in competition for Walsh, bringing a wealth of experience at the highest levels, though he has fallen short in his biggest challenges. He has suffered defeats against Errol Spence Jr. in 2018 for the IBF welterweight title, Sebastian Fundora in 2022 for the WBC interim junior middleweight title, and Tim Tszyu in 2023 for the interim WBO title. Notably, both Spence and Tszyu finished Ocampo in the first round.
Since his loss to Tszyu, Ocampo has secured three stoppage wins against lesser-known opponents.
Pro tip-Walsh’s consistent victories and Dana white’s backing suggest a focused promotional strategy, aiming to quickly elevate him within the junior middleweight division.
Reader question-Carlos Ocampo’s past losses to top fighters raise concerns, but his experience could make him a tricky opponent for the still-developing Walsh.
- Callum Walsh will headline Zuffa Boxing’s first event on January 23 in Las Vegas.
- Walsh is a highly touted prospect with a perfect 15-0 record, backed by UFC CEO Dana White.
- Carlos Ocampo brings significant experience, having faced top contenders like Errol Spence Jr. and Tim Tszyu.
- The event will stream live on Paramount+.
