In September of last year, Dana White was riding high on the success of UFC 306 which delivered the promotion’s highest live gate. Just days later, he stunned fans with a surprising announcement: “I am jumping on a plane and flying to Dublin, Ireland, for a boxing match this weekend.” The UFC CEO was heading to support rising Irish boxing prospect Callum Walsh in his homecoming fight against Przemyslaw Runowski. This unexpected decision sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, as White’s long-standing disdain for boxing made his trip to Ireland all the more intriguing.

Speculation ran rampant—some questioned whether the head honcho had a personal connection to Walsh. While others believed he was scouting the “next” Conor McGregor for the UFC, much like his initial visit to Ireland to sign the former double champ. However, the UFC boss quickly shut down the rumors, stating, “There will be some big announcements soon, and let me tell you…” At the time, his cryptic comments hinted at a major move in the boxing world, potentially involving Saudi Arabian mogul Turki Alalshikh.

Earlier this month, White officially confirmed those rumors by announcing his long-anticipated boxing venture—a new league under TKO Holdings in collaboration with Alalshikh. WWE President Nick Khan is set to play an executive role in the promotion, which is scheduled to launch in September 2025 in Las Vegas. Rumors already suggest the league will feature a blockbuster showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, with ‘King’ also reportedly securing a spot in the promotion.

Recently, on the Overdogs Podcast, Callum Walsh was asked why he believed Dana White had taken such a keen interest in him. Answering with confidence, Walsh explained, “Because I don’t care who I fight, you know? It’s like I’m bringing that UFC mindset to boxing. The best thing about the UFC is there’s one belt per division. If you want to be the best, you have to fight this guy, that guy, this guy, and then you get the title shot. I think in boxing, there are so many different ways you can go, and I think Dana White appreciates that.”

A skilled southpaw, the Irish boxer currently holds the No. 1 ranking in Ireland and sits at No. 26 in the global boxing rankings. Up next, he is slated to take on Dean Sutherland in New York during St. Patrick’s Day week, with the fight set to air live on UFC Fight Pass. The highly anticipated bout will take place at the legendary Madison Square Garden, a venue Walsh called a “special” stage for his career.

With Dana White backing him, Callum Walsh’s rise continues to gain momentum, further cementing his ambitions—a journey his coach sees as reminiscent of Conor McGregor’s path to success.

Callum Walsh’s coach weighs in on Dana White’s support

Dana White and Irish icon Conor McGregor have undoubtedly penned one of the most captivating chapters in combat sports history. This has inspired many fighters like Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett, and Ian Garry to chase similar success. While each of these fighters is still forging their own path, legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach, who once trained Manny Pacquiao, believes that Irish boxer Callum Walsh is the one with the potential to reach those same heights.

In a revealing interview, Roach highlighted Ireland’s legacy of producing world-class fighters, with McGregor leading the way. He views  Dana White’s backing of ‘King’ as an extension of that rich history. Roach shared, “We’ve seen a lot of success with Irish fighters, especially with Conor, and I think this kid could become very popular with the Irish. I’m not saying he’s going to be as popular as Conor, but he’s a great kid with a really exciting fighting style.”

As Callum Walsh prepares for his next boxing match, do you believe the 24-year-old Irish sensation can make Dana White’s upcoming boxing league as iconic as Conor McGregor made the UFC? What’s your opinion about Walsh’s future with Dana White? Feel free to share your thoughts below.