Ireland’s Callum Walsh opened a new chapter in US boxing with a points victory over Carlos Ocampo on Friday night, headlining the debut event of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in Las Vegas. It wasn’t a night of fireworks, but it marked the quiet beginning of a promotion that could reshape how boxing operates in America.
A Measured Start in the Ring
Walsh was expected to deliver a statement knockout, but Ocampo proved durable and awkward, refusing to fold over 10 rounds. The Cork fighter controlled much of the bout with a consistent left hook, though he struggled to find a decisive breakthrough. A sixth-round knockdown, which appeared more a slip than a clean shot, briefly raised eyebrows, but it did little to change the flow of the fight.
The judges saw it clearly in Walsh’s favour, awarding wide scorecards of 98-90, 98-90 and 97-91 to keep his unbeaten record intact at 16-0. Still, Walsh admitted afterwards that the performance left him unsatisfied, underlining his desire to make a bigger impact as he continues to develop at 24.
Inside Zuffa’s Invitation-Only Debut
The newly renamed Meta Apex hosted the event, with attendance limited to VIPs, media and high-profile figures from TKO, the parent company of the UFC and WWE. Dana White watched on alongside UFC and WWE executives, with familiar faces from combat sports and entertainment filling the front rows.
Despite the intimate 500-seat setting, the atmosphere felt subdued, more corporate than electric. Most of the noise came from Ocampo’s corner, while Walsh’s clean shots sparked brief bursts of excitement. Still, the slick production, fast-paced card and stripped-back ringwalks hinted at a different approach to boxing presentation.
A UFC-Style Vision for Boxing
Zuffa Boxing’s long-term ambitions go far beyond one modest opening night. Fighters wore Zuffa-branded gear, though personal choice remained on gloves and footwear, and bout bonuses were handed out, echoing the UFC model. Matching undefeated fighters against each other was another clear statement of intent, something Zuffa plans to make a regular feature.
Promoters believe the structure will encourage fighters to take risks without fear of being sidelined after a loss. With plans to take events on the road and, eventually, crown their own world champions, Zuffa Boxing has already caught the attention — and concern — of established figures in the sport.
Backed by Dana White’s UFC experience and WWE president Nick Khan’s entertainment expertise, Zuffa Boxing is positioning itself as a disruptor. The opening night may have been understated, but the bigger picture suggests this was only the first move in a much larger play.
