Caught in Southie: “King” Callum Walsh
Up-and-coming Irish boxing prospect “King” Callum Walsh popped into Peter Welch’s Gym in Southie on Monday to say hello and break James Murrin’s house record for punching power. He was accompanied by his Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Tom Loeffler of 360 Promotions.
The 21-year-old Walsh (5-0, 4 KOs), of Cork, Ireland makes his Boston debut on March 16 at Agganis Arena against Spain’s Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz (10-1, 9 KOs). Walsh has a huge following back home that is quickly growing in the Irish community here in the US.
His five pro fights in Los Angeles have been sold-out, celebrity-filled events. Dana White specifically chose this fight to feature ”King” Callum on UFC Fight Pass.
Walsh and Roach posed for photos and spoke with fight fans that included Southie boxing legends, Peter Welch, Danny Long, Jimbo Curran, Eddie Kelly, and Mike Larkin.
Not one to turn down a challenge, Callum took a few swings at the punching bag arcade game in the gym that measures punching power. After coming up short on his first couple of punches, he took his sweatshirt off and soundly beat James Murrin’s house record. At least James still punches harder than his brother, Sean.
Peter Gailunas is a lifelong Southie resident and Boston firefighter who sometimes takes it upon himself to tell people what’s what. Favorite day of the week is trash day. Big fan of the 311 app, food shopping and cooking. Self-proclaimed “Fastest Man Alive.” Married to the editor.
In the second pic with Callum, who is the guy in the green shirt? I feel like I have seen him before.