Boxing fans are getting a real treat on the undercard of the massive Canelo-Crawford showdown. Callum Walsh vs Fernando Vargas has captured serious attention from boxing fans. This co-main event features two undefeated super welterweights who are hungry to make their mark on the biggest stage possible.
Walsh, the young Irish southpaw has been turning heads since moving to California to train at the famous Wild Card Boxing Club. Meanwhile, Vargas Jr carries the weight of a legendary boxing name : his father Fernando Vargas was a fierce champion who gave Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad all they could handle back in the day.
The timing couldn’t be better for both fighters. Walsh has been building his reputation with impressive knockouts while learning his craft in one of boxing‘s most respected gyms. Vargas has been quietly putting together his own perfect record, staying busy and waiting for his moment to shine. Now they get to showcase their skills in front of a massive audience at Allegiant Stadium, with Netflix broadcasting globally.
Walsh brings a perfect 14-0 record with 11 knockouts, showing serious finishing power throughout his young career. At just 24 years old, standing 6 feet tall with a 72 inch reach, he’s already caught the attention of boxing insiders with his smooth southpaw style and natural timing
Vargas comes to the table with an even more impressive knockout ratio: 17 wins with 15 knockouts is the kind of stat that makes opponents nervous. At 28 years old, he’s hitting his physical prime and has four more years of professional experience than Walsh. His 5’11” frame and identical reach means this won’t be a size mismatch, which should make for some interesting exchanges in the pocket.
The betting odds reveal just how much respect Callum Walsh has earned in boxing circles. According to FanDuel, Walsh is a -380 favorite. Meanwhile, Fernando Vargas is a +270 underdog. The heavy favoritism likely comes from Walsh’s higher profile, better opposition, and the coaching he’s received at Wild Card.
The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (-128) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at +102
Walsh’s best path to victory involves using his height and reach advantages to control distance while picking his spots to unleash combinations. His time at Wild Card has taught him patience and ring craft that should serve him well against an aggressive opponent like Vargas. If Walsh can hurt Vargas with clean shots early, his finishing instincts should take over and end the fight before the final bell.
Vargas needs to make this messy and turn it into a phone booth fight where his power can do the most damage. The key for Vargas is pressuring Walsh early and often, making him uncomfortable and forcing him into exchanges where anything can happen. If he can land that one big shot, all the odds and predictions go out the window.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Callum Walsh to win via unanimous decision.
(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)
(Image Credit: Omar Ornelas / El Paso Times – Imagn Images)
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