Ireland’s Callum Walsh has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising stars—not only in boxing circles but also within the MMA community. The 24-year-old southpaw is promoted by Tom Loeffler of 360 Promotions, yet it’s UFC CEO Dana White, soon to head Zuffa Boxing, who has shown particular interest. White has become a consistent presence at Walsh’s fights, signaling big things ahead for the Irishman.

Now, with Walsh set to feature on the undercard of the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown—an event promoted by White—attention around him is only growing. Fans are not just intrigued by his unbeaten rise in the ring but also curious about his roots, family, and life back home in Ireland. Here’s everything you need to know about Callum Walsh’s parents, heritage, and more.

Callum Walsh’s family background

‘King’ Walsh has his roots woven in Cork, Ireland, where the sport of boxing has always been part of his family life. His mother, though not much is known about her, was from Cobh. Meanwhile, his father, Ian, was from Mayfield. Living just minutes from St. Colman’s Park, Walsh grew up around local clubs like Cobh Ramblers. Even now, Walsh often returns to Riverstown Boxing Club to spar with young fighters, determined to inspire the next generation in a way he felt was missing when he was growing up.

Callum Walsh’s parents and their role

Callum’s mother encouraged him to take up hurling and football, while his father introduced him to boxing at the tender age of six. Back then, neither Callum nor his father had thought he would become one of the biggest combat stars from the country. By the age of 15, he left hurling behind to chase his Olympic dream in the ring. Now, he is a professional boxer who is often compared to Conor McGregor, also from Ireland, and has become immensely popular in the combat world. Perhaps Dana White is hoping Walsh would follow Conor McGregor’s example.

How family shaped Callum Walsh’s boxing career

Callum Walsh’s journey into boxing wouldn’t have been possible without his family, especially his father, Ian. He was the one who took him to a boxing gym when he was six years old. Growing up in Cork, Ireland, Walsh built an extensive amateur resume with 120 fights, but it was his father’s presence in the U.S. that steered his professional path. 

When Walsh came to Los Angeles in 2021, Ian was living in Long Beach, making Walsh’s transition much easier. He then began training with legendary trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym. Not just that, Ian also played a pivotal role in matching Callum with his current promoter, Tom Loeffler.

This family-driven determination has defined Walsh’s rise, pushing him to sacrifice time with friends and relatives in Ireland to pursue his dream in America. Callum Walsh clearly has the story to match his rising star power, but can he prove he is not a hype job on Saturday night?