Dana White’s Irish boxing prospect, Callum Walsh, will throw down opposite fellow undefeated (and super confident) talent, Fernando Vargas Jr., this weekend (Sat., Sept. 13, 2025) inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Undefeated at 14-0, there’s quite a bit of hype behind Ireland’s Walsh. Trained by Freddie Roach at the legendary Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Calif., the 24-year-old standout is the current WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight champion. Walsh has the power and finesse to make major waves in the boxing world, which is the reason he’s landed the co-main event slot just below Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrance Crawford. Vargas Jr. — son of former boxing world champion, Fernando Vargas — is undefeated as well (17-0). Boxing is a family affair for Vargas Jr. and his brothers, each of whom is looking to grow the Vargas legacy further.
Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:
Fernando Vargas Jr. lands a blow to the head of Juan Carlos Cardones causing a knockdown during their bout on June 28, 2024, at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas. Vargas won the fight with a TKO in the bout’s first round.
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr Betting Odds
Callum Walsh victory: -320Fernando Vargas Jr. victory:+240Odds via BetOnline.ag
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Callum Walsh of Ireland (orange and silver trunks) knocks out Dean Sutherland of Scotland (blue trunks) in the first round during their Super Featherweights fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Getty Images
Walsh fights with an aggressive, pressure-forward style built on sharp boxing fundamentals. He mixes crisp combinations with heavy hands, using timing and power to break opponents down. He’s a clean and accurate puncher who has finished four of his opponents via knockout.
This is a solid test for Walsh, who will have to press without getting clipped by counters. Applying consistent pressure without giving up easy counter opportunities is a fine line to walk, so Walsh’s ability to keep his guard tight will be tested. Though Walsh wants to fire in combination, his success is going to begin with the jab, as he can use that first punch to occupy Vargas Jr.‘s hands and blind him to entries.
High output will be the other key here. Between the two, Vargas Jr. prefers a very technical and consistent pace, whereas Walsh is happier to have more exchanges. Walsh has to keep his punch count high to stay ahead on the cards and keep Vargas Jr. in a defensive shell, even if that means shrugging off a counter or two.
Fernando Vargas Jr., in red corner, demolishes Juan Carlos Cordones during the first round of their bout at Southwest University Park on June 28, 2024.
“El Feroz” fights with patience and intelligence, relying on sharp counterpunching and disciplined movement. He’s a methodical and composed athlete who uses his accuracy to wear down opponents and stay in the driver’s seat.
Interrupting the combinations of Walsh is going to be key here for Vargas Jr. Indeed, he has to keep the Irish prospect turning and unable to set his feet. Ideally, Vargas Jr. will also be popping Walsh with the jab as he resets, which goes a long way in shutting down potential combinations.
Generally, Vargas Jr. wants the slower pace here, which means making his shots count is high priority. Hard counter shots are the best way to take the steam from a young fighter’s offense, and Walsh’s hands definitely stray a bit when he’s trying to charge forward. If Vargas Jr. can time a few hard connections, he should be able to really settle down Walsh and convince him to play his game.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Callum Walsh of Ireland reacts after winning by first round knock out over Dean Sutherland of Scotland during their Super Featherweights fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Getty Images
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr Prediction
This is a quality match up of undefeated young talents, as well as an interesting stylistic clash. Hopefully, both men live up to the stature of the event and put their best foot forward, because this could be a real star-making performance.
Pressure vs. counter punching is a dynamic as classic as it gets, and I have to side with the superior pressure fighter here. Walsh has an edge in speed and combination fluidity that should allow him to get his punches flowing, and once he starts rolling down hill, it’s going to take a serious shot to halt his momentum. Vargas Jr. will likely time a few good ones and take some rounds, but I don’t think he finds the button outright.
Ultimately, he loses the numbers game.
Prediction: Walsh via decision
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