New York, NY (March 22, 2024) Fighting on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Friday March 15 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden, ‘King’ Callum Walsh continued to validate his status as The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, with a ninth-round stoppage of Dauren Yeleussinov in front of huge crowd at the famed venue and a worldwide audience viewing on UFC Fight Pass.

With the victory guided by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, the 23-year-old native of Cork, Ireland improved his record to 10-0 with eight knockouts. Walsh also earned the WBC Continental Super Americas Welterweight Title with the dominant victory.

During a very busy fight week in addition to making the media rounds in New York City and hosting the Final Press Conference in Madison Square Garden’s Chase Square, Walsh spent the week meeting with a large group of local dignitaries at the Irish Consulate and held a packed media photo shoot at the Empire State Building. He also received a wealth of publicity from numerous international and local newspapers along with the top sports outlets prior to and following the fight.

The remarkable event was promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions. “It was a great St. Paddy’s Event last Friday March 15. Now with all the numbers that have been tallied, ‘King’ Callum Walsh has clearly established himself as The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing,” said Loeffler.

“Callum’s fight night was in the Top 20 of all boxing events held in the historic The Theater at Madison Square Garden, that’s a huge statement for only his second fight in New York City and the storied history of the venue. Callum’s event was also the highest rated boxing show in the history of UFC Fight Pass. That’s a pretty big statement for someone that’s 23-year-old with only ten fights. The future will only get brighter for young ‘King’ Callum!”

Walsh will return to action on Friday, June 7 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA and headline live on UFC Fight Pass with further details to be announced shortly.

New York, NY (March 13, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions held the Final Press Conference for their highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Weekend boxing event this Friday, March 15 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live worldwide on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

Below are quotes from the participants at the Final Press Conference;

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“It’s an honor for me to be headlining at Madison Square Garden for the second time in four months. Fighting on St. Patrick’s Day weekend makes this extra special as a fighter from Ireland and I know the Irish will be in the house on Friday night.”

“Tom (Loeffler) plans out who I fight, my job is to be prepared and I am for Friday night.”

Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach (Walsh)

“Callum has put the work in back in Los Angeles to be victorious on Friday night. Training and sparring in Los Angeles went great and he is 100% ready to go. It’s great for his career to be headlining again at Madison Square Garden so quickly.”

Dauren Yeleussinov

“I’ve trained very hard for this fight back in Kazakhstan. I know how important a victory would be for my career and I’m coming to win. My first professional fight was in New York City and I consider it to be my second home. Going to the Empire State Building this morning was great, the fresh air all the way at the top gave me a lot of energy for Friday night.”

Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions

“Not only is Madison Square Garden ‘The Most Famous Arena in the World’, but it’s my favorite arena in the world. I promoted five fights here with the Klitschko Brothers and numerous fights with Gennadiy Golovkin, all of which were very special events.”

“For Callum to be fighting at MSG twice in a four-month span is a tremendous achievement and speaks to not only how I feel about him as a promoter but how the fans and media think of him.”

“All of the fights on Friday night are evenly matched and we’re very excited to promote this event on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend.”

Feargal McCrory

“November 9 was a special night in my career. We’re back and ready to deliver a big performance. I want to deliver a great performance against a very good fighter on Friday night. My opponent has competed on the world level, he’s tough, he’s Mexican and he hits hard but I’m ready.”

Reshat Mati

“I love fighting here at Madison Square Garden where I’ve had a lot of success. Every time I fight here my fans turn out and I know I’ll have a lot of support come Friday night. I’m ready to fight and stay busy this year.”

Joe Ward

“Yes, Madison Square Garden is where I made my pro debut and I love fighting here. It’s extra special fighting on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. I’ve put the work in back home in Ireland and I’m ready for victory on Friday night. I’m looking forward to a big year ahead.”

Cletus Seldin

“It’s taken twelve and half years for me to fight back at Madison Square Garden and I couldn’t be more ready. I haven’t been as active as I would have liked the last few years but I’m going to make up for that this year. I’m 37 and ranked number #9 in the world by the WBA, it’s definitely not too late for me to become a world champion.”

Nisa Rodriguez

“It’s been a long time coming for my pro debut but I’m ready. This place is very special to me having won the Golden Gloves here. I would love to fight every month this year if they can line up opponents for me.”

New York, NY (February 6, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions held a New York City Press Conference on Monday in Mid-Town Manhattan to formally announce the highly anticipated return of The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, Cork, Ireland native ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), to The Theater at Madison Square Garden against hard-hitting Kazak, Dauren Yeleussinov, 

(11-3-1, 10 KOs), in the ten-round headline clash. The bout is sanctioned for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title as part of a huge St. Patrick’s Day Weekend event on Friday, March 15.

Additional top New York City based undercard fighters also being introduced to the large media contingent in attendance included Undefeated Super Lightweight Prospect, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati, (15-0, 7 KOs), Super Lightweight Contender, Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs), Light Heavyweight Contender, Derrick ‘Take it to The Bank’ Webster, (29-4-1, 14 KOs), and Pro Debuting, Eight-Time New York City Golden Gloves Champion, Super Welterweight Nisa Rodriguez. Also, in attendance was Promoter Lou DiBella, representing light heavyweight ‘Irish’ Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KO).

Below are quotes from the participants;

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“I want to thank everyone for being here again today. It’s great to be back here in New York and like I told everybody at the last fight I’d be back soon. I’m ready to put on another exciting fight and show even more of what I can do on March 15. The Irish will definitely be out in force for this show. I’m only 22 years old and this is my second time headlining at Madison Square Garden and I look forward to making it my second home. Many thanks to Tom Loeffler, Dana White and my trainer Freddie Roach for all their support.”

Reshat Mati

“Thanks very much to Tom Loeffler and 360 Promotions for this opportunity. The 140lb. division is the most stacked division and my game here is to fight and win. The Albanians will also be in the house on March 15 and I’ll be ready to put on a great show for everyone.”

Cletus Seldin

“Finally, I’m back at Madison Square Garden. I’m excited and going to show the best version of ‘The Hebrew Hammer’. I’m 27-1 with 23 knockouts and ranked #9 in the world by the WBA. If there’s ever been a time for a Jew in New York City to be fighting at the Garden it’s now. On March 15, Irish crowd, Jewish crowd; were ready to rock and roll.”

Derrick Webster

“Thanks very much for the opportunity. This is a great card to be a part of. I’m 16-17 years in the game and never turned down a fight. I’m going to have a world championship level training camp. I know Joe will come ready and I’ll definitely come ready on March 15.”

Nisa Rodriguez

“I want to thank everyone for helping make this happen. It’s a pleasure to be back where it all started for me in the amateurs. The first time I fought at Madison Square Garden I was 17 years old and I’m very happy to make my pro debut there.”

Tom Loeffler

“Since we announced this event, I’ve had a wealth of promoters, managers and fighters who want to be part of March 15, the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and we’re very happy to have the opportunity to work with these select fighters for the added value they bring to the show.”

“It’s great to be promoting back at Madison Square Garden, The Mecca of Boxing. Ever since I managed Kevin Kelley in the late 90’s at MSG I realized the value of fighting at the Garden. Anytime we can promote at Madison Square Garden, it’s a golden opportunity.”

“I also want to give a big shout out to Dana White and UFC FIGHT PASS for all their support of 360 Promotions and Callum Walsh.”

Lou DiBella

“This is a really great event and really important to keep up our tradition of having a great show on St. Patrick’s Day. This is a card that’s set up in a tremendous manner. It’s great to see Nisa here, a New York City Police Officer, Reshat who has the talent to become a star in boxing and Cletus who’s like the Engelbert Humperdinck of boxing. Derrick Webster is the toughest opponent Joe Ward has fought. It’s time for Joe to step up and that’s why we made the fight.”

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The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, Undefeated ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cork, Ireland will battle on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Friday, March 15 against hard-hitting Kazak veteran Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in the ten-round main event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. The fight will be contested for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title.

Walsh vs. Yeleussinov is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions as part of their nationally acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series. Tickets starting at $45 can be purchased at MSG.com.

Popular Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KOs), of Moate, Ireland will make his return to Madison Square Garden against battle-tested veteran Derrick ‘Take it to the Bank’ Webster, (29-4-1, 14 KOs’) of Glassboro, New Jersey on the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Event. He hits the ring following a second-round stoppage of Prince Oko Nartey on November 18, 2023 in Letterkenny, Ireland. This will be Ward’s fifth fight at Madison Square Garden including wins over Frederic Julan, Britton Norwood, and Tory Williams. The upset minded Webster looks to bounce back into the win column following a split decision draw against Christopher Pearson on August 26, 2023 in Atlantic City, NJ.

‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati, (14-0, 8 KOs), will put his undefeated record on the line in a super lightweight contest. Fighting out of Staten Island, New York, the 25-year-old Mati returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden ring following a ninth-round knockout of Dakota Linger on June 23, 2023. This will be his fifth fight inside the famed venue.

Long Island fan favorite, super lightweight Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs) will make his long-awaited return to Madison Square Garden. Most recently Seldin knocked out Patrick Okine on October 10, 2023 in the sixth round at Sony Hall in New York City. The all-action Seldin is currently on a six-bout winning streak with all victories coming by stoppage.

Irish super featherweight prospect Feargal McCrory, (15-0, 7 KOs), will also see action. Fighting on the Callum Walsh – Ismael Villarreal November 9 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden undercard, the Coalisland, Ireland native won a six round unanimous decision over Nikolai Buzolin.

Additionally, super welterweight contender Brian Ceballo, (16-1, 8 KOs), returns on the March 15 event. The popular Puerto Rican native has won three fights in a row including a fourth-round stoppage of Kenneth McNeil on November 9, 2023 on the Callum Walsh – Ismael Villarreal undercard. The victory was his fourth fight at Madison Square Garden.

Eight-time New York City Golden Gloves Champion and NYC Police Officer Nisa Rodriguez will make her professional debut in a four round women’s super-welterweight bout.

New York, NY (January 24, 2024) The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, Undefeated Super Welterweight, ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cork, Ireland will battle on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, Friday, March 15 against hard-hitting Kazak veteran Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in the ten-round main event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

Walsh vs. Yeleussinov is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions as part of their nationally acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series. Tickets starting at $45 are Now On-Sale and can be purchased at MSG.com.

“Following Callum’s impressive performance before an energetic crowd on November 9 in his debut at Madison Square Garden, we started making plans for him to headline again on a truly special New York City Irish weekend,” said Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions. “Dauren Yeleussinov presents another tough test for Callum in the main event and we look forward to announcing an action-packed undercard featuring some of the top New York City based fighters.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Callum Walsh back to The Theater at Madison Square Garden for another exciting night of boxing at ‘The Mecca’,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events & Operations, MSG Entertainment.  “Callum follows in the footsteps of some of Ireland’s biggest stars – John Duddy, Andy Lee, Matthew Macklin and Michael Conlan with fighting at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day weekend and we expect to welcome back the loyal Irish fans.”

Headlining at The Mecca of Boxing on Thursday, November 9, 2023, Walsh made a strong impression on the raucous boxing crowd in the famed venue with a dominant ten-round decision over top local prospect Ismael Villarreal, (13-1).

The March 15 event at Madison Square Garden will be the second straight year Walsh has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a headlining fight, previously defeating Wesley Tucker on March 16, 2023 at the Agganis Arena in Boston, MA in front of a huge contingent of Irish boxing fans.

Following a sensational 2023 with four victories, three by knockout, Walsh was named the Prospect of the Year by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in addition to being honored as the UFC FIGHT PASS Athlete of the Year.

A native of Kayindy, Kazakhstan and brother of 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar Yelussinov, Dauren considers Brooklyn, New York his second home. Fighting in Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 21, 2023, the southpaw Yelussinov knocked out Bakhrom Payazov in the second round. Seven of his ten knockouts have come in the first two rounds.

BRROKLYN, NY–Philadelphia-born Danny Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) handled Phoenix native Jose Benavídez Jr (27-1-1, 18 KOs) throughout 12 rounds en route to a majority decision at Barclays Center. The larger Benavídez seemingly could not find an answer for Garcia, who seemed loose and quick for the contest. The judges scored the bout 114-114, 116-112 and 117-111.

Garcia landed 233 of 746 punches; Benavidez was 117 of 600.

Danny Garcia: 

“I did take a break going through mental things, things went dark (breaking down crying), I went through anxiety, deep depression, just trying to be strong.

“It was the pressure of life, being a good dad, just letting it out right now (crying) because it was stuck inside, it rained on me for a year and a half and the only way to do better is to fight and I’m a fighter, if you battle anxiety and depression, you can get out of it, that’s what I did today. I fought.

I still battle some days, I have dark days, but I try my best to stay positive, but I feel good, I gave the fans a good fight tonight.

“(Angel) was there with me the whole way. I’m nothing without this man.  I thank him every day, to be Danny Garcia again, people ask me all the time, why do I fight? I make a lot of money. Why does Warren Buffett is still making money? I’m a fighter. This is what I do, what I love to do. Hopefully, I don’t become a meme with the crying face.

“I’d like the rematch with Keith Thurman, he took my ‘0.’ I’ll take Lara for the middleweight title at 155 pounds.”

Angel Garcia:

“Love is the key. Love is the key to everything.” 

Jose Benavidez Jr.:

“I’m happy with my performance. I feel like I did good. I’m fighting in his backyard, one of the best, I took his punches like they were nothing.

“I thought I won the fight. But it is what it is, a loss makes you stronger.

“It’s tough, things don’t always go your way, they’re ups and downs. I try to be positive, like when the doctor said I would never walk again. I didn’t let that get to me. The only one that can stop me is me.

“He’s a great personality, we had a hell of a fight. We’re happy to be here.”

Demirezen Decisions Kownacki in a Slugfest

Turkish heavyweight, Ali Eren Demirezen (17-1, 12 KOs) edged Polish-born Adam Kownacki (20-3, 15 KOs) via unanimous decision in their 10-round heavyweight fight. The bout featured mixed displays of heavyweight power and boxing skill, with both fighters taking damage throughout the 10 rounds. Ultimately, the judges scored the contest 96-94, 97-93 and 97-93 for Demirezen.

The two threw a staggering 1766 punches with Demirezen landing 256 of 915.  Kownacki was 276 of 851, but Demirezen landed more power punches by a 239 to 186 tally.

Ali Eren Demirezen:

“I truly love fighting in the U.S. and I love New York so I said before you will see me more on SHOWTIME and PBC.

“I was nervous because he’s a strong fighter and I could be much better but it’s my first time here and he’d fought here before.”

Adam Kownacki:

“I’m a bit rusty, I think he was getting off first in the exchanges, I didn’t’ sit down as much, I think the rust played a part, being out so long

“I was out of the ring since last October, camp was good but I don’t know, I was letting him get off first, I wasn’t moving my feet, I went back to the old me instead of the first few rounds when I was doing good.

“I have two kids, I’ll have a long talk with my wife to see what I want to do. I’ve had so many fights here, so many great memories, I don’t want to go out like a loser. I would like another fight to leave my fans with a win.”

Russell Stops Barthelemy via controversial sixth round stoppage

Maryland son, Gary Antuanne Russell (15-0, 15 KOs) stopped former world champion and Las Vegas native Rances Barthelemy (29-1-1, 15 KOs) in the sixth round their super lightweight 10-round matchup. The opening rounds of the fight featured heavy-handed actions, with both fighters landing powerful shots. The official stoppage came in a controversial manner, as Barthelemy was dropped from a leaping right hook from Russell.  Barthelemy seemingly beat the 8-count and looked ready to continue fighting. However referee Sharda Murdagh waved the fight off at 50 seconds of round six, handing Russell the TKO victory.

Gary Antuanne Russell:

“First and foremost I want to thank God, I want to tell my father up above I did it for him, we’re going to keep it going for pops, I want to thank showtime for letting me participate. I know Rances was a high-grade class athlete and he wanted to continue. Emotions were high. Whether we or bruised or beaten, as a warrior, you always want to continue but the referee was doing their job and if he was allowed to continue it would have been the same outcome.  I would have gotten him.

“It’s the first of many [without my father] I had to have tunnel vision. This is something my dad instilled in us, no matter what you go through in life and death, two things are inevitable, he raised us to be men and well-rounded men. Being thorough means to be prepared, and he prepared us for boxing and for life outside of boxing. I thank my father and I did what I had to do.

“In the sixth round I had him backing up, I knew he was looking for his right cross and I caught him backing up and I shot my hook and put him down, he was buzzed but he wanted to keep going. He’s a warrior.”

Rances Barthelemy:

“No, they shouldn’t have stopped it. I felt good, it was good shot, I’m not denying that, but they shouldn’t have stopped it.

“I got up and told him I’m fine and I’m good to go

“Of course I want the rematch, but with a different referee.”

Orlando Cuellar – Barthelemy’s Trainer:

“I’m unhappy , this was a good fight these fans paid good money to see, how can you take this opportunity away, he’s been down before and gotten up. He’s fought on. You’re supposed to give your fighter every opportunity to continue. The referee took away the chance for both to show their character, for Rances to continue and for Gary Antuanne to show his character by fighting on in a hard fight. You robbed the fans. We want a rematch but with a different referee.”

–NON TELEVISED ACTION–

Ukrainian-born Sergiy Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) decidedly handled San Diego native Joshua Conley (17-4-1, 11 KOs) in their 10-round middleweight bought. The fight went the distance, with all three judges scoring in favor of Derevyanchenko. Two of them scored the contest 99-91 and the last scored it 98-92, officially awarding the Ukrainian the unanimous decision.

Vito Mielnicki JR. (12-1, 8 KOs) of Roseland, New Jersey stopped Jimmy Williams (18-9-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut at 2:12 of the sixth round of their 8-round super welterweight matchup. Mielnicki JR unleased a series of strong blows on Williams, forcing his corner to intervene, providing the New Jersey native with another TKO victory.

Philadelphia native Miguel Román (2-0, 0 KOs) and Baltimore-born Marcus Redd (0-1, 0 KOS) fought to a decision in their super bantamweight four-round bout. Both fighters displayed strong technical boxing during the fight. Romàn, however, won the decision, with all three judges scoring the contest 39-37 in his favor.

Junior Younan (17-0-1, 11 KOs) wasted no time in making a statement against fellow Brooklyn resident Dauren Yeleussinov (10-2-1, 9 KOs) . In the first round of the scheduled eight-round the super middleweight bout, Younan unloaded shots on his opponent, not stopping until the referee stepped between the two  at 1:47 of round 1.

Ricky Lopez (21-5-2, 6 KOS) and Joe Perez (16-6-4, 10 KOS) were looking for knockouts in this fast-paced super featherweight 6-rounder. However, the fight went the distance, ultimately leaving the outcome to the judges. Although one judge scored in favor of San Diego native Joe Perez by a 58-56 tally, the two others did not agree, with both scoring it 57-57, ending the fight in a majority draw.

Ismael Villareal (12-0, 8 KOS) of Bronx, New York dropped and stopped LeShawn Rodriguez(13-1, 10 KOs) of Port Jefferson, New York in the sixth round of their eight-round super welterweight bout to maintain his perfect record. Following a knockdown in the second round, Villareal repeated this in the sixth, Rodriguez got to his feet, but was wobbly, forcing the referee to stop the bout.

Dwyke Flemmings JR (2-0, 2 KOs) of Paterson, New Jersey defeated Angelo Thompson (0-3, 0 KOs) of Irvington, New Jersey via TKO in their super welterweight contest. In the first round, both fighters threw hard shots and landed combinations. This continued in the following round, however, Flemmings JR turned up the intensity, backing Thompson down, with the referee officially stopping the bout at 2:32 of the second round.