Imago
Credit-Instagram
Imago
Credit-Instagram
Earlier this week, UFC head honcho Dana White caused a stir in the combat sports world when, despite his known dislike for boxing, he announced that he would be visiting Ireland to personally cheer for the young Irish sensation Callum Walsh ahead of his homecoming fight against Przemyslaw Runowski, scheduled for September 20. Surprisingly, White disclosed through his social media, “I’m jumping on a plane and flying to Dublin, Ireland for the boxing match this weekend.”
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This left fans and fight analysts thoroughly puzzled, as they couldn’t understand why White would promote a rival sport. What’s his relationship with Callum Walsh? Is he a relative, perhaps an uncle? Well, we might have the answer. Without wasting time, let’s dive right into it.
Are Callum Walsh and Dana White related to each other?
Well, the answer is clearly no. Dana White does not have a personal relationship with 23-year-old Callum Walsh beyond a professional one. The UFC head honcho sees potential in this Irish sensation, much like he once saw in former UFC dual champion Conor McGregor. That’s why he has supported Callum Walsh for a long time, alongside 360 Promotions head Tom Loeffler. Walsh is currently undefeated in his short boxing career, which could make him a valuable asset for Dana White’s UFC promotion in the future.
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Recently, when asked about White’s favoritism towards him, Callum Walsh firmly dismissed all these favoritism theories and instead highlighted the business mentality he shared with the UFC. He confidently claimed, “I don’t pick and choose opponents. That’s why Dana is pushing me because he knows I’m bringing this UFC mindset. I want to make these big fights happen and obviously, with Dana White helping and with a promoter like Tom Loeffler, I think we are going to change boxing a lot. I’m going to make these big fights happen.”
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 06: UFC president Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 290 press conference at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Callum Walsh may have his theories about Dana White backing him throughout his short journey in the boxing world. However, this could just be the tip of the iceberg. This situation was once unsolved but has recently been highlighted by Walsh’s legendary coach, Freddie Roach.
Freddie Roach evaluates Dana White’s support for Walsh
The Irish sensation Callum Walsh is currently training under the veteran Freddie Roach, who also trained boxing icon Manny Pacquiao throughout his career. In a recent candid interview, when asked about the reason behind Dana White’s decision to promote Walsh through the UFC platform, Roach weighed in on Ireland’s history of producing some of the best MMA fighters in the world, including UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry and the legend himself, Conor McGregor.
He claimed, “We’ve had a lot of success with the Irish here with Conor, and I think this kid could become extremely popular with the Irish. I’m not saying he’s going to be [as popular as] Conor, but he’s a great kid and he has a really fun fighting style.” Meanwhile, many fans may not be aware that Callum Walsh also has a Hollywood-based girlfriend who fights in the strawweight women’s division named Tabatha Ricci.
What are your thoughts on Dana White’s reasons for supporting Callum Walsh? Is it solely based on Walsh’s talent, or does White see him as the next generation Conor McGregor? Drop your opinion below.
Written by
Edited by
Gokul Pillai