Callum Walsh arrived at Allegiant Stadium with great expectations, coming off an undefeated streak of 14-0 and even trained under the legendary Freddie Roach. The co-main feature against Fernando Vargas Jr., the son of a former two-time Light Middleweight Champion, was intended to highlight Walsh on one of boxing’s biggest stages so as to create a groundswell around him and Dana White’s new TKO boxing league. While the fight ultimately went Walsh’s way, the performance left fans with mixed reactions about the young contender’s ability to command attention.

Despite a unanimous decision victory with scores of 99-91, 99-91, and 100-90, many fans criticized Walsh for delivering a performance that some felt was too cautious and technical for a stadium of this magnitude. The contrast between the main event stars and Walsh’s meticulous approach caused an uproar on social media, with fans questioning if his approach was even suitable for the spectacle that Dana White wanted to provide.

Walsh had strong fundamentals, controlling the tempo with size, precision, and poise. While Vargas Jr. moved quickly and landed stinging jabs, Walsh’s relentless work rate and precise combinations to the body established control as the rounds continued. While it was a good exhibition, most viewers felt it lacked the adrenaline of a high-stakes match.

Fans’ reactions reflected this sentiment. Many called the fight boring, noting that even Dana White seemed disengaged. Comments like, “Dana White watching his golden boy Callum Walsh put Allegiant Stadium to sleep” and “Damn this Walsh guy sucks. Bring the main event already” were common. Fans were growing tired of watching such low-intensity fights while waiting for the main event between Terence Crawford and Canelo Álvarez.

Others criticized Walsh’s overall performance, claiming that his systematic approach revealed the limitations of using a UFC-style promotional model in boxing. “This Callum Walsh fight is why the UFC model does not work with boxing. Nobody wants to watch a 40-minute chess match for a non-title fight,” one fan wrote.

Several went on to insult Walsh’s walkout and overall presence: “Callum Walsh has the whole arena silent on his walkout; nobody knows this industry plant lmao,” and “Callum Walsh is showing the whole world just how average he is.” Even many who praised Walsh’s technical ability admitted that the battle lacked the adrenaline that fans want in a live event.

Comments like “He needs to go back to the contender series” suggested that Walsh’s meticulous technique could be better suited to smaller, more intimate venues than stadium-sized arenas. The co-main event, which was supposed to generate excitement for the night, instead left many questioning if Walsh was prepared for such high-profile exposure. Now, it would be interesting to see if Dana White comes out in defense of his fighter, after all, the 24-year-old did the same for him just a few days ago.

Dana White gets backed up by Callum Walsh ahead of lackluster bout

Following a win that disappointed many fans, Callum Walsh now confronts another challenge: expectations based on his connection with Dana White. Walsh publicly backed White just days before his bout against Fernando Vargas Jr., complimenting him for the possibilities he has provided for fighters.

He said, “You can see the difference that Dana and the UFC mentality is bringing over to boxing. It’s going to be very beneficial for the sport.” The big question is whether the head honcho will repay the favor following a performance that some deemed lackluster.

Walsh’s loyalty to White is grounded in personal experience. The 24-year-old has directly benefited from the UFC CEO’s support, from early exposure on UFC Fight Pass to his placement on one of boxing’s most important evenings.

Explaining his loyalty, he once said, “The things that Dana has done for me, I’ll forever be loyal to Dana no matter what. I’ll always defend Dana.” So, now that he’s publicly backed White and also revealed their loyalty towards one another, fans will be watching to see if it is all repaid after such a lackluster showing.