Callum Walsh is preparing for his first New York bout at the iconic Theater at Madison Square Garden. The bout, set for Thursday, November 9, will be broadcast LIVE on UFC FIGHT PASS – marking the platform’s first boxing event at The Garden. Hailing from Cork, Ireland and positioned 16th by the World Boxing Council (WBC), Walsh is returning to the ring after sealing a round-four victory over experienced Juan Jose Velasco in Los Angeles.
This thrilling event, promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, will showcase the 22-year-old prodigy, Walsh (8-0, 7 KOs), as he embarks on his second defense of his WBC US Silver Super Welterweight Title. He will square off against Ismael Villarreal (13-1, 9 KOs) of Bronx, NY. Villarreal recently made headlines with his impressive victory against John Martinez (19-3, 16 KOs), causing an upset by terminating the latter’s solid eight-fight streak. Tickets for the Walsh-Villarreal showdown at The Garden will be available starting Tuesday, 10 a.m. EDT. The pricing tiers are set at $205, $155, $55, and $35. These can be acquired from www.msg.com, the Madison Square Garden box office, or through Ticketmaster outlets. Special seating options are also available at 888.609.7599.
Voicing his enthusiasm, Walsh said, “To compete at Madison Square Garden is every fighter’s ambition. This pivotal week in combat sports will see me living my dream at ‘The Mecca of Boxing’, right before UFC 295. I’m pumped to deliver a stellar performance for all spectators, especially my fellow Irish.”
Freddie Roach, Walsh’s renowned trainer, added, “Callum’s headlining slot in just his ninth professional fight speaks volumes about his dedication and prowess. It’s evident that The Garden authorities see his potential. Villarreal poses a significant challenge, but Callum is up for it.”
Villarreal resonated with confidence, stating, “Victory over Callum is just one more step towards my ultimate goal – the world boxing championship. Achieving this in my home city will make it even sweeter. By 2024, I intend to reach the pinnacle, and after November 9, the world will recognize Ismael ‘Maelo’ Villarreal.”
Villarreal’s promoter, Kathy Duva, expressed, “It’s a dream for any New Yorker to headline at the Garden. Ismael has consistently proven his mettle, and now he can solidify his position in the 154 lb division. I’m grateful to 360 Promotions and UFC Fight Pass for this platform.” Tom Loeffler, a stalwart in the promotion game with sell-out events at Madison Square Garden, noted, “Every budding superstar aspires to fight at The Garden. Callum has captivated audiences in LA, and we expect no less from his New York debut. We’re thrilled about our collaboration with Dana White and UFC for this momentous event.”
