Irish fighter “King” Callum Walsh took over Dauren Eleussinov in their highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day fight tonight. The undefeated super welterweight fights the veteran Kazak at the Madison Square Garden Theatre.
The 22-year-old from Co. Cork is considered the fastest star in boxing and has a record of 9-0 with seven knockouts. He defeated “Bronx Beast” Ismael Villarreal 13-1 at The Garden in November.
The event, organized by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, is broadcast live around the world. UFC FIGHT PASShis fans in the United States, Ireland, UK, Canada and Australia can tune in. The main event is expected to take place around 10pm ET.
It will be Walsh’s second fight in Madison Square in the last four months, which he said was an “honor.” “Fighting on St. Patrick’s Day weekend makes this extra special as a fighter Ireland and I know the Irish will be at home on Friday night,” he said.
Co Tyrone native Feargal McCrory will also fight at the iconic venue tonight. The 30-year-old takes on Carlos Carlson before Walsh takes the ring.
McCrory he went undefeated against Russian-born Nikolai Buzolin at the Mecca of boxing in November and said he is “ready” to go up against his latest opponent. “We are back and ready to deliver a great performance,” he said.
Westmeath native Joseph Ward will also fight earlier in the night, taking on lightweight Derrick Webster.
Follow updates through the evening on our live blog.
22:27Martha Brennan
Notice to arbitrator
Things are heating up. The referee has now issued several warnings to Yeleussinov.
22:13Martha Brennan
And we’re out!
The main event is officially underway. Walsh walked into the ring to the sound of Grace wearing green gloves and tricolor shorts. Chants of “olay, olay” flooded the building.
22:08Martha Brennan
Callum Walsh walks away
The main event is here. Callum Walsh is currently walking to the tune of Grace, which is barely audible in Irish.
10:01 p.mMartha Brennan
McRory thanks the Irish in New York
McRory thanked the Irish in New York for their ring support.
“Look at these people who came out for me,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me. I absolutely thrive with your support.”
21:58Martha Brennan
McRory raises his belt
Feargal McRory is the WBA Continental Americas Super Featherweight
21:53Martha Brennan
Knock out!
It’s all over! McRory picked up the eighth KO of his career!
21:46Martha Brennan
First time done
The first time is in the books. Both fighters went out in a fight, but McRory is expected to take Round 1.
21:43Martha Brennan
McRory is in the ring
The Irishman entered the ring. McRory walked up to a Raglan Road rendition dressed in green and waved to the tricolor crowd before the bell rang.
21:33Martha Brennan
The Irish national anthem plays
Amhrán na bhFiann plays through The Garden as McRory prepares to walk. The Irish are ready!
21:22Martha Brennan
McRory next
Feargal McRory will face Carlos Carlson in the next fight on the schedule. Let’s go!
20:52Martha Brennan
Eliminate for Joseph Ward!
It was over before it started for Joseph Ward’s opponent, Derrick Webster. The light heavyweights took the ring to start the night, with Ward meeting Webster in just the second round.
The Irish go wild.
20:44Martha Brennan
Feargal McRory “feel the love”
Feargal McRory said he “feels the love” ahead of his fight. The Co Tyrone native took to Instagram to thank everyone for their support, sharing a photo of the green shorts he will be wearing in the ring.
He wrote: “If you are here, be strong and proud! If you are at home, I feel love.” On the Irish. Go Raibh Maith Agat”.
20:03Martha Brennan
Callum Walsh is in the building
Callum Walsh is getting ready to go. The star posted a photograph from inside Madion Square Garden before the venue filled up.
20:00Martha Brennan
The countdown begins
We are just minutes away from the kickoff of tonight’s event. Coverage has begun on UFC Fight Pass and the first fight of the night is almost underway.
