Get ready for a seismic shift in the world of professional boxing! A new powerhouse is entering the ring, and it’s bringing a fight card that promises to shake things up. Zuffa Boxing, co-founded by UFC president and CEO Dana White, is making its highly anticipated debut with Zuffa Boxing 01, headlined by the explosive matchup between rising star Callum Walsh and seasoned veteran Carlos Ocampo. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Walsh, the undefeated Irishman, cement his place as the face of this new promotion, or will Ocampo’s experience prove too much for the young contender? And this is the part most people miss—this event isn’t just about the fights; it’s about the birth of a new era in boxing, streaming exclusively on Paramount+ this Friday, January 23rd, from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
Let’s break it down. Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) is no stranger to the spotlight. Ranked No. 4 by the IBF and No. 5 by the WBC in the junior middleweight division, Walsh has been a standout on UFC Fight Pass and recently secured a pivotal decision win over Fernando Vargas in September. Though this fight is set at middleweight, Walsh’s skill and momentum make him a favorite. But don’t count out Carlos Ocampo (38-3, 26 KOs). The Mexican brawler has only tasted defeat against the very best—Errol Spence Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and Tim Tszyu—and he’s riding a three-fight knockout streak into this bout. Will experience trump youth, or will Walsh’s rise continue?
Dana White himself has been vocal about his support for Walsh, telling CBS Sports, ‘I’ve backed him from the start, and here we are today.’ But he’s quick to clarify, ‘I don’t determine who wins the fights.’ Bold statement, right? It’s a reminder that in boxing, anything can happen. And let’s not forget the rest of the card—Julian Rodriguez vs. Cain Sandoval is a must-watch. Rodriguez (24-1, 15 KOs) is fresh off a thrilling Round 10 stoppage, while Sandoval (17-0, 15 KOs) remains undefeated with a knockout-heavy record. Who will stay unbeaten?
Here’s how you can catch all the action: The prelims kick off at 6 p.m. ET, with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET, exclusively on Paramount+ for just $8.99 per month. Below is the full fight card and odds for Zuffa Boxing 01:
- Callum Walsh (-700) vs. Carlos Ocampo (+450), middleweights
- Misael Rodriguez Olivas (-700) vs. Austin Deanda (+450), middleweights
- Cain Sandoval (-200) vs. Julian Rodriguez (+155), welterweights
- Omar Trinidad (-265) vs. Max Ornelas (+205), bantamweights
- Floyd Diaz (-1400) vs. Guillermo Gutierrez (+750), bantamweights
- Emiliano Cardenas (-1100) vs. Marcus Cortez Harris (+600), bantamweights
- Robert Meriwether III (-3000) vs. Cesar Correa (+1000), lightweights
- Troy Nash (-2000) vs. Jacob Ramos (+850), lightweights
Now, here’s the real question: Is Zuffa Boxing the future of the sport, or just another promotion in a crowded field? And can Callum Walsh live up to the hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
