Walsh vs. Villarreal – UFC Fight Pass – Nov. 9 – 9 pm ET

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. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at 7:15 p.m. ET.  The UFC FIGHT PASS broadcast starts at 8:00 p.m. ET. 

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, prmoted 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.

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.”

‘King’ Callum Walsh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his talent at Madison Square Garden. “I’m deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in this event, and the warm embrace by Madison Square Garden for my ninth fight is overwhelming. From the incredible promotion efforts to the courtside experience at the Knicks game and the warm reception I received—it’s truly a dream come true,” he remarked.

He also showed appreciation for Dana White’s support, “My thanks to Dana White are immense. I’m charged up to deliver an unforgettable performance on Thursday. New York has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the city once the fight is over.”

Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions, took a moment to reflect on a significant anniversary, “We’re at the ten-year mark since ‘GGG’ made his mark here against Curtis Stevens, and it feels like we’re on a similar trajectory with Callum. With his magnetic presence and marketable qualities, we see him emulating GGG’s success in New York City and Los Angeles.”

Loeffler continued, “Callum’s undefeated record and his string of knockouts at just 22 years of age hint at a bright future ahead, especially under the guidance of the legendary Freddie Roach.”

Extending his acknowledgments, Loeffler added, “A special thanks to Dana White and UFC Fight Pass, as well as Madison Square Garden. Callum is on the path to becoming a worldwide phenomenon in the sport.”

Freddie Roach, the esteemed trainer, commented on the event and his fighters, “It’s a thrill to be here. Watching Callum’s progress has been a highlight, and with Gor Yeritsyan and Umar Dzambekov also fighting, we’re anticipating an exceptional evening. Collaborating with Tom and Callum has been a rewarding experience, and we’re set for a thrilling event at Madison Square Garden.”

Feargal McCrory shared his eagerness and gratitude, “I’m truly thankful for the chance to be a part of this event. My preparation has been intense and focused. The support I’ve received in New York City has been nothing short of spectacular. It’s a privilege to carry the Irish flag, and we’re prepared to make Thursday night an event to remember.”

Callum Walsh, with an undefeated record of 8-0 and 7 KOs, is set to make his second title defense of the WBC US Silver Super Welterweight Title. Walsh is facing Ismael Villarreal, also known as “The Beast,” from the Bronx, who boasts a 13-1 record with 9 KOs. They are slated for a ten-round fight that will take the spotlight at Madison Square Garden’s Theater on November 9, in an event streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS.

In the lightweight division, Cain Sandoval, known for his knockout prowess and sporting a perfect 10-0 record with all wins by knockout, hailing from Sacramento, will go up against Wesley Ferrer from Brooklyn. Ferrer, who has proven his grit in the ring, has a record of 17-1-1 with 8 KOs, and they’re set to go head-to-head in an eight-round fight.

The light heavyweight division will see action as well, with Umar Dzambekov putting his undefeated 7-0 record, including 5 KOs, on the line. The Los Angeles-based fighter is up against Brooklyn’s own Frederic Julan, who brings a 13-2 record with 10 KOs to this eight-round light heavyweight fight.

Gor Yeritsyan, another fighter who has yet to taste defeat, stands at 16-0 with 14 KOs. The welterweight from Armenia will exchange blows with Luis Veron, who has a 20-7-2 record including 9 KOs, hailing from Argentina in what promises to be an exciting eight-round fight.

Brian Ceballo of New York City, with a 15-1 record and 7 KOs, will fight Kenneth McNeil, who has a record of 13-4 with 10 KOs, from Birmingham. They are set for an eight-round fight in the super welterweight division.

The featherweight division will not be left out of the action. Los Angeles’ Omar Trinidad, with an impressive 13-0-1 record with 9 KOs, will fight Andrew Bentley from Irvington, New Jersey, who has a 5-7 record with 1 KO, in an eight-round featherweight fight.

Opening the event, Feargal McCrory from Ireland, who has kept his record spotless at 14-0 including 7 KOs, will take on Nikolai Buzolin of New York, who brings a 9-6-1 record with 5 KOs, in the super featherweight division.

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“As each fight approaches, the stakes seem to rise. My record is a string of knockouts, and the challengers have yet to push me to my limits. Naturally, the next fights need to elevate in challenge and quality. I’m looking at this as another opportunity to gauge my abilities.”

“Dana White stands behind fighters with grit, and I’m determined to validate my status as one. Declining fights or opponents isn’t in my nature. I stand ready to confront any challenger and affirm my standing.”

“Villarreal surely isn’t keen on a defeat, especially on his home turf. His ambition is evident, his record barely blemished by a controversial loss. But I’m here to stamp my mark on New York, backed by an exceptional training camp that has me feeling at the peak of my strength and fitness.”

“My focus is narrow, directed at one fight after another, securing victory after victory. The concept of pressure is foreign to me; my sole objective is to emerge victorious in the fight.”

“The arena will resonate with noise from the Irish fans, with Villarreal’s supporters in full force too. It might appear evenly split, yet the vigor of the Irish fans is undeniable.”

Ismael ‘The Beast’ Villarreal

“Many may see me as the less favored fighter, but my goal remains to display my talent and claim the win tonight.”

“The excitement and media coverage surrounding this fight is something I relish.”

“I’m equipped to engage in both boxing and brawling and ready for whichever turn the fight takes tonight. I’m recognized for maintaining high intensity in the ring, setting the tempo of the fight.”

“The excitement around Walsh is understandable; he’s a robust, spirited young Irish contender. I anticipate the fans will be divided tonight, reflecting New York’s eclectic mix.”

Weigh In Results

Callum Walsh 154 vs. Ismael Villarreal 153.4
Cain Sandoval 140 vs. Wesley Ferrer 138.8
Umar Dzambekov 175.8 vs. Frederic Julan 175.8
Gor Yeritsyan 146.8 vs. Luis Alberto Veron 145.4
Brian Ceballo 154 vs. Kenneth McNeil 151
Omar Cande Trinidad 126.6 vs. Andrew Bentley 127.6
Feargal McCrory 132 vs. Nikolai Buzolin 132.4

Fans looking to witness this event can secure their tickets online at www.msg.com or at the Madison Square Garden box office, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets. Prices range from $35 to $205, with accessible and companion seats available through the Accessibility Department at 888.609.7599.