By Vince D’Writer: Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach made a prediction that his fighter would be a world champion within the next calendar year, but first the highly touted undefeated prospect Callum Walsh must take care of business on Thursday night November 9th as he takes on Ismael Villarreal (13-1, 9 KOs) in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
The 22-year-old southpaw Callum Walsh has all the tools needed in regards to making an impact in the fight game. He has the skill set, the power the confidence, and most importantly he has a team that believes in him, and they are willing to put Walsh in position to take the fastest path to a world title.
A native of Cork, Ireland who is currently based in Hollywood, California, Callum Walsh picked up the sport of boxing when he was six years old. As an amateur Walsh had 120 fights. He won six national titles and he also won a European gold medal in 2017.
Walsh made his professional boxing debut back in December 2021 when he scored a first round TKO victory over Earl Henry. Two years later, he stopped Carson Jones in the fourth round and won the WBC US Silver junior-middleweight title. He would go on to successfully defend his title against Juan Jose Velasco.
Now ranked 16th in the WBC, Callum “King” Walsh (8-0, 7 KOs) is ready to make his New York City debut.
Walsh has been able to stay active, as he already has three wins in 2023. On the night of November 9th Walsh will be going for his fourth win of the year as he will face a very tough and ambitious opponent.
A product of the Bronx, New York, Ismael Villarreal started his pro boxing career by posting twelve consecutive victories. Back in February 2023, he lost to Ardreal Holmes by way of split decision.
Villarreal would bounce back seven months later when he scored a second round TKO victory over John David Martinez.
Much like his November 9th opponent, Ismael Villarreal has dreams of one day winning a world title. It is a goal he shares with his family as his dad Otilio Villarreal is a former boxer who fell short of his world title aspirations.
“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 Ismael 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.”
In the ninth fight of his professional boxing career, Callum Walsh is on the verge of a major accomplishment as he will be the headliner in a city that is known as the ‘Mecca of Boxing.’ Walsh feels both appreciative and overwhelmed by the opportunity.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It doesn’t feel real, to be honest. I’m going to enjoy it,” Walsh said. “It’s going to be a big night for me to prove that I’m ready for these kinds of fights and I’m ready for the next level. It’s a big step up in arena, big step up in opponent, it’s going to be a good night for me to prove how good I am.”
Callum Walsh and Ismael Villarreal are both young hungry prospects who are anxious in regards to taking their careers to the next level. On the night of November 9th, one fighter will stay on the course and the other will have to regroup as Callum Walsh and Ismael Villarreal will clash tonight on UFC Fight Pass.