Walsh Hopes Growing Profile Will Lead To Return Home

The undefeated Irish junior middleweight Callum Walsh is to continue his path to stardom on Friday at the Chumash Casino and Resort, where he fights Carlos Ortiz. Walsh hopes to bring his success back to Ireland for a homecoming contest.

Walsh (10-0, 8 KOs), a southpaw from Cork, Ireland, is trained by Freddie Roach at Los Angeles’ Wild Card Boxing Club. 

“Every fight is getting bigger and bigger,” he told BoxingScene. “The main thing is to keep winning – keep winning belts, I suppose.”

Despite the rural venue, Walsh’s presence means it is sold out – reflecting his growing popularity. Ortiz (14-5, 14 KOs), 39, presents a challenge that could even enhance Walsh’s status as a rising star. Ortiz, known for his power, previously stopped the then-undefeated Golden Boy Promotions prospect Evan Sanchez in 2022, but has only fought once since.

“Callum Walsh really has become the fastest rising star in boxing,” he said.

Loeffler compared Walsh’s rapid rise to other fighters in the context of his profile, rather than trajectory of his fights. “In terms of celebrity, Callum is selling tickets whether he fights at Commerce Casino or other venues,” Loeffler said. “He had the 18th highest gate for the Madison Square Garden Theater, and that was only his second fight there.”

With only 10 professional fights so far, Loeffler has high expectations for the 23 year old. 

“Freddie [Roach] thinks he is going to be a world champion in a year, but Callum has to prove it,” Loeffler added.

Walsh’s pride in his country motivates him. 

“Every fight I fight for my country,” he said. “We are a fighting country, and I am trying to represent that. I always wear the Irish [colors], I always bring the flag, and I have a green belt, so it is the right color.

“There are a lot of good fighters coming out of Ireland, a lot of good prospects, but I feel I am on my way to lead that charge. 

“Obviously, Katie Taylor is still around and fighting. I feel next in line is me. I want to break through and get back to Ireland to put on a show for them, too.”

A win over Ortiz would bring Walsh closer to settling unfinished business in his home country. 

“I haven’t fought there since 2019,” he said. “I actually lost my last fight back there. So I need to get back and get a win in my own country.”