Boxing Champion Callum Walsh: ‘I’d Love to Fight MMA’

Walsh returns to action next month at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

SI’s MMA Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes runs every Monday.

Callum Walsh sees UFC as his long-term destination

Callum Walsh has already planned out his next career.

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Only 23, the reigning WBC Silver Super Welterweight champion still has a plethora of goals to conquer inside the sport of boxing. Once those are complete, he believes his fighting odyssey will lead him to the UFC’s Octagon.

“My main priority, my main goal is boxing,” said Walsh (9-0, 7 KOs). “Win as much as I can, make my name in the sport, and then I’d love to fight MMA.”

Walsh was visible this past Saturday at UFC Fight Night, sporting a Tony Ferguson shirt while sitting beside UFC star/girlfriend Tabatha Ricci. While Walsh is not yet part of the promotion, his fights do air on UFC Fight Pass.

That partnership has allowed Walsh’s notoriety to jump considerably. He has also delivered, helping UFC CEO Dana White air entertaining, compelling bouts every time White steps between the ropes.

“Dana White doesn’t often get involved in boxing, but he’s here, directly involved in my career,” said Walsh. “This is someone I’ve watched on TV for so many years. Now he’s part of my life. It’s like a dream, and I don’t want to wake up.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Walsh’s fights are promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions as part of their acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series. As White continues to build his boxing brand on UFC Fight, he has developed a strong working relationship with Loeffler.

“I have the best team in the game,” said Walsh. “With a promoter like Tom, and everything he’s done in the sport, I now have the chance to learn from a guy who helped Triple G [Gennady Golovkin]. There are a lot of Irish fight fans, so I can’t even imagine what he has planned for me.”

Next up for Walsh is a return to New York. He defeated Ismael Villarreal this past November at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, which will host his upcoming St. Patrick’s Day weekend bout against Dauren Yeleussinov on Friday, March 15.

“New York is starting to feel like a second home,” said Walsh, who is from Cork, Ireland. “I can’t wait to see people show up on St. Patrick’s Day.

“Cork and New York City are two very, very different places, but everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. I heard the parade is pretty good out there, too. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone wearing green.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

Walsh–whose nickname in the sport is “King”–was in jeopardy of losing his crown when Villareal (13-1) put up an extremely tough challenge in NYC. Ultimately, Walsh’s precision, footwork, timing, and ability to absorb hits yet keep moving forward overwhelmed his opponent.

“I always knew that was going to be a tough fight,” said Walsh. “I was fighting him in his backyard, and I knew he wouldn’t want to take a loss at home.

“I didn’t take too much notice of what people said online [about the fight]. No matter what, whether you do something good or something bad, everybody’s going to have something to say. It’s taken me a long time to get where I am. I’ve been doing this since I was six years old, developing my skills and boxing abilities. I know I’m still learning and improving, and I’m looking forward to showing some more improvements in my next fight.”

Yeleussinov (11-3-1, 10 KOs) is the next fighter with a chance to end Walsh’s ever-growing hype train. But just like the last time in NYC, Walsh is eager to meet that challenge.

“Everyone is bringing their best against me, and I look forward to that,” said Walsh. “I always knew this was going to be tough. I know I’m a lot better than I was in my last fight, and I’ll show that in my next fight.”

---

Sheena Bathory: “I want to fight in the UFC”

For the first time in Power Slap career, Sheena Bathory looked beatable.

Courtesy Power Slap

Jackie Cataline knocked out Bathory with her first strike this past Friday at Power Slap 6, sending the crowd into a frenzy. But the excitement was short-lived, as judges disqualified Cataline for clubbing.

“Powerslap’s Ronda Rousey” just got slept 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/xwIkiqp08K

— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) February 10, 2024

The two are likely to have a rematch in April at Power Slap 7. Up until Friday, Bathory had been the most recognizable female competitor in Power Slap–and her next goal is to fight in the UFC.

“I came to the United States with big dreams,” said Bathory, who is from Hungary. “I knew something was waiting for me here. When I was five, I told my mom, ‘I have something big to do in the United States.’ For me, I want to fight in the UFC.”

Courtesy Power Slap

If Bathory competes in the UFC, she believes her ideal weight will be 145 pounds.

“Cutting weight is a struggle, especially with my muscles,” said Bathory. “I don’t think I can make 135. I think 145 would be my weight.”

---

Jack Hermansson shines at UFC Fight Night

Jack Hermansson looked spectacular on Saturday, wearing down Joe Pyfer in their five-round bout UFC Fight Night main event.

Due to a litany of injuries, Hermansson had not fought since December of 2022. Yet he made his return worthwhile, overcoming a slow start that saw him completely out-class Pyfer in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds.

The performance even overshadowed Dan Ige, who delivered a spectacular first-round knockout against Andre Fili.

MESSAGE SENT FROM DAN IGE 😤 #UFCVegas86 pic.twitter.com/g49ExCdmck

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 11, 2024

While Ige took home an extra $50,000 with a Performance of the Night award, Hermansson (24-8) held on to his spot in the rankings. He may even jump to no. 10, re-establishing his place in the middleweight division.