NEW YORK – Callum Walsh filed his entry for 2025 Knockout of the Year on Sunday night, putting Dean Sutherland out cold at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Walsh, 13-0 (11 KOs), put his Scottish opponent out with a left hand followed by a right hook that folded up Sutherland, 19-2 (7 KOs). The fight was stopped by referee Ricky Gonzalez – no count necessary – at 2:45 of the first round.
The fight was the most explosive performance for Walsh, a 24-year-old from Cork, Ireland, at Madison Square Garden, where he has fought on St. Patrick’s Day weekend for the past two years.
It was clear from the opening bell that Sutherland, 26, of Aberdeen, Scotland, was having a tough time wearing the punches of Walsh, who is trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach. Sutherland’s head snapped in every direction each time Walsh connected, whether it was a jab or a hook or a cross. Sutherland was the aggressor for most of the brief fight, though he was not difficult to find as his head never moved unless Walsh moved it for him.
“He was a great opponent,” Walsh said. “I know at this weight every opponent is going to be tough, and I keep getting stronger and better. I am destined to be one the best fighters in the world.”
The knockout is the fourth straight for Walsh, whose past two fights ended in the second round.
Promoter Tom Loeffler says he is planning on bringing Walsh back in July on a card in Los Angeles.
“That’s the great thing about UFC Fight Pass – we have all the dates mapped out,” Loeffler said. “That means we can plan the arenas and plan the promotion properly.”
Loeffler, who admits he was surprised by Walsh’s explosive, early finish, says the plan isn’t to match the fighter yet with Xander Zayas, adding that he hopes to make that fight for next year.
“They’re both undefeated, they can both build their legacy, build their fan base,” Loeffler said. “I think that fight would be perfect for upstairs in the big arena.”
Walsh says he doesn’t have to wait that long to get back into the ring.
“I could fight again tonight. I could fight next week,” he said. “Where’s Dana White? Nobody beats the Irish! Especially on St. Patty’s Day!”
The fight headlined a card that aired live on UFC Fight Pass and was promoted by 360 Promotions.
Ryan Songalia is a reporter and editor for BoxingScene.com and has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler, The Guardian, Vice and The Ring magazine. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.