Zuffa Boxing Set to Unveil on January 23 with Callum Walsh Headlining Inaugural Event at UFC APEX

Las Vegas, NV – Zuffa Boxing, the long-anticipated foray into professional boxing by UFC President Dana White and TKO Group Holdings, is poised for its inaugural event on January 23. The historic card will be headlined by undefeated junior middleweight prospect Callum Walsh, who is slated to face veteran contender Carlos Ocampo in a compelling main event at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The announcement marks a significant step for White, who has for years publicly expressed his intent to reshape the sport of boxing through a promotion style akin to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The launch of Zuffa Boxing represents the culmination of years of advocacy and planning by White and TKO, the parent company of both the UFC and WWE. White has been a vocal critic of traditional boxing’s promotional landscape, particularly its fragmented structure, the influence of multiple sanctioning bodies, and what he perceives as a reluctance among top fighters to face each other. His vision for Zuffa Boxing has consistently revolved around streamlining the sport, fostering competitive matchups, and developing talent under a more centralized promotional model. Discussions around TKO’s entry into boxing intensified throughout 2025, with internal pushes for regulatory changes and strategic preparations for this very debut.

The choice of Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) to headline the first Zuffa Boxing event underscores White’s commitment to nurturing promising, aggressive talent. The 24-year-old Irish southpaw has already established a strong relationship with White, with several of his professional bouts having been featured on UFC Fight Pass, providing him with early exposure to a global combat sports audience. Walsh’s professional career, which began in late 2021, has been marked by a high knockout ratio, indicating a potent offensive style favored by many fans. His rapid ascent through the ranks of the junior middleweight division has positioned him as one of the sport’s more exciting young prospects. His most recent outing in September saw him secure a unanimous decision victory over Fernando Vargas Jr., a fight that tested his resilience and showcased his ability to navigate a full-length contest against a determined opponent. This win, while not a knockout, demonstrated Walsh’s maturity and tactical adaptability, adding another dimension to his burgeoning skill set.

Standing opposite Walsh will be the formidable Mexican veteran Carlos Ocampo (38-3, 26 KOs). At 28 years old, Ocampo brings a wealth of experience and a significant power advantage to the ring, with more knockouts than Walsh has total professional fights. His record is particularly notable for the context of his three losses, all of which occurred in world title fights against elite-level competition. This pedigree suggests that Ocampo is a fighter who has consistently operated at the highest echelons of the sport, possessing the mental fortitude and technical prowess required for high-stakes matchups. He is currently enjoying a three-fight winning streak, most recently dispatching Ricardo Banuelos Cernas by third-round knockout in October, further cementing his status as a dangerous and in-form contender. Ocampo’s durable style and proven power will serve as a significant litmus test for Walsh, providing the kind of competitive challenge White has long advocated for in boxing.

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Dana White articulated his excitement and the strategic thinking behind the main event during a recent discussion with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith. "The boxing match is the night before, the 23rd," White confirmed. He elaborated on the matchmaking philosophy, stating, "When I talk about matchmaking, I’m going to have all these up-and-coming guys. We have this kid named Ocampo, who is a seasoned veteran. His only losses are in title fights. He has more knockouts than Callum [Walsh] has fights." White continued, emphasizing the competitive balance, "Callum, undefeated, 15-0, and it’s the main event. Should be a badass boxing event." This specific pairing exemplifies White’s stated goal of pitting rising stars against credible, experienced opponents to genuinely test their mettle and build legitimate legacies.

The junior middleweight division, contested at 154 pounds (69.85 kg), is currently a competitive landscape featuring a blend of established champions and hungry contenders. A victory for Walsh over an opponent of Ocampo’s caliber would not only extend his undefeated streak but also significantly elevate his standing within the division, potentially propelling him towards future title contention discussions. For Ocampo, a win would represent a major upset, re-establishing him as a top-tier contender and validating his veteran experience against a highly touted prospect. The outcome of this fight is expected to have notable implications for both fighters’ career trajectories and for the broader narrative Zuffa Boxing aims to construct.

The UFC APEX, a state-of-the-art production facility typically utilized for UFC Fight Night events and preliminary bouts, will serve as the venue for this inaugural Zuffa Boxing card. The APEX, renowned for its intimate setting and advanced broadcast capabilities, has become a staple for combat sports in Las Vegas, offering a controlled environment that ensures a high-quality viewing experience. Its selection for the Zuffa Boxing debut is strategic, leveraging existing infrastructure and technical expertise while also drawing a clear connection to the UFC brand. The event is scheduled for January 23, the night before UFC 324, allowing Zuffa Boxing to capitalize on the heightened combat sports buzz typically generated during a UFC fight week, potentially attracting crossover viewership from dedicated MMA fans.

White’s entry into boxing is not merely about promoting events; it’s a declared mission to fundamentally alter the sport’s infrastructure. He has consistently voiced his intention to dismantle what he perceives as the restrictive elements of traditional boxing. "I’ve been talking smack about boxing for a long time, and now it’s time for me to put my money where my mouth is," White asserted. His ambitious plans include "getting rid of the sanctioning organizations," a move that would challenge decades of established practice within the sport. The goal, as White describes it, is to ensure "the best will fight the best," a sentiment often echoed by boxing purists frustrated by promotional rivalries and mandatory defenses that sometimes prevent marquee matchups.

Central to White’s strategy is the cultivation of new talent. He plans to "sign all the young, up-and-coming guys," providing a clear pathway for their development and progression. He believes this approach will restore the value of an undefeated record, which he argues is often artificially maintained in current boxing due to careful matchmaking. "If you break into the top 10 and you’re still undefeated, your undefeated record means something. You know what I mean? Everybody’s undefeated in boxing because nobody fights anybody, right? Everybody will fight everybody," White explained. This philosophy mirrors the UFC’s merit-based ranking system and emphasis on competitive integrity, where fighters are expected to continually face tougher opposition as they climb the ranks.

The "full-court press" that White promises from Zuffa Boxing suggests a comprehensive, aggressive marketing and promotional strategy aimed at disrupting the established order. This approach could involve significant investment in fighter contracts, innovative broadcast partnerships, and a focus on compelling narratives to engage a broader audience. While White’s vision faces potential hurdles from entrenched interests within boxing, the financial backing of TKO Group Holdings and the proven promotional power of Dana White suggest that Zuffa Boxing is poised to make a substantial impact. The January 23 event featuring Callum Walsh and Carlos Ocampo will serve as the initial showcase for this ambitious new chapter in combat sports promotion, setting the tone for what White hopes will be a transformative era for professional boxing.

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