Walsh Defeats Whitaker Via Unanimous Decision In Montebello, CA

 

Undefeated rising Jr. Middleweight prospect Callum Walsh was forced to go the distance for the first time in his career in scoring a dominant six round unanimous decision over veteran Benjamin Whitaker on Thursday night at Quiet Canyon Country Club in Montebello, CA. Walsh, who had scored all three of his previous victories in his career in the first round, appeared as though he was on the verge of making it 4 for 4 as he dropped Whitaker with a left hand to the head in round one. From this point in the fight on, Walsh was systematic in his approach winning every round with ring generalship and displaying a solid Boxing IQ. Although Whitaker was able to go the six round distance, at no point was he in a position to make Walsh uncomfortable in the bout. Walsh now looks to advance to eight round bouts in his next bout in October according to his promoter Tom Loeffler. Official scores were: 60-54 (On all three scorecards) in favor of Walsh. Callum Walsh advances to 4-0, with 3 Knockouts. Benjamin Whitaker falls to 15-9, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a clash of unbeaten Featherweights, Omar Trinidad scored a somewhat controversial stoppage of previously unbeaten Javier Padilla. The difference in punching power was apparent early as Trinidad’s heavier blows busted up Padilla up resulting in severe swelling over his right eye and a cut under it. Although it looked as though Padilla was on barrowed time as the referee went into his corner and advised him between rounds three and four that he was concerned due to the worsening condition of his right eye. In round four, Trinidad had Padilla on the ropes, but Padilla countered effectively off the ropes and seemed like he was mounting some offense when the fight was stopped without warning. It is unclear as of this writing as to whether the referee made the call to stop the fight or if it was Padilla’s corner or the ringside physician that stopped the bout. Official time of the stoppage was: 1:47 of round four. Omar Trinidad advances to 9-0-1, with 7 Knockouts. Javier Padilla falls to 7-1-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Middleweight Cem Kilic scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over Marco Delgado. Kilic’s accuracy and combination punching were ultimately the story of the fight. Although Delgado landed some good right hands throughout the fight and did succeed at points in making it a rough fight, Kilic was able to maintain the pace of the combat to earn the convincing unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 80-72, (On two scorecards) and 79-73 in favor of Kilic. Cem Kilic advances to 17-1, with 11 Knockouts. Marco Delgado falls to 7-4, with 5 Knockouts.

 

 

Women’s Lightweight Chelsey Anderson pounded out an eight round unanimous decision over Aida Satybaldinova. A close bout due largely to the two minute round length in Women’s Boxing, Anderson’s cleaner, more effective punches was ultimately able to overcome Satybaldinova’s pressure throughout. Official scores were: 77-75, (On two scorecards) and 78-74 in favor of Anderson. Chelsey Anderson advances to 6-0, with 2 Knockouts. Aida Satybaldinova falls to 6-3-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

 

In a clash of undefeated Middleweight prospects, Eric Priest scored a first round knockout of previously unbeaten Cory Conner. A fight that saw several exchanges of offense came to a sudden end in the closing seconds of round one when a flush right hook to the jaw sent Conner down for the count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:46 of round one. Eric Priest advances to 8-0, with 6 Knockouts. Cory Conner falls to 3-1, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Jesus Gonzalez scored a narrow four round split decision over Eduardo Diaz. A competitive bout from the opening bell, Gonzalez scored a knockdown of Diaz in the second round, but Diaz was able to keep it close. In round four Gonzalez was deducted a point after two low blows. Despite the point deduction, Gonzalez was able to earn a split decision victory with two of three judges scoring the fight for him by a single point. Official scores were: 38-37, (Diaz) and 38-37 (On two scorecards) in favor of Gonzalez. Jesus Gonzalez advances to 5-0, with 2 Knockouts. Eduardo Diaz falls to 7-3, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Super-Middleweight Jordan Panthen began the evening by scoring a first round knockout in his professional debut over Arturo Perez. A short uppercut to the head followed by a left hook to the body put Perez down on one knee for the count. Official time of the stoppage was 1:16 of round one. Jordan Panthen advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Arturo Perez falls to 2-2-1, with 1 Knockout.

 

While it is difficult to gage where a fighter is just four fights into their career, Callum Walsh’s victory over Benjamin Whitaker was a significant step forward in his progression. The reason for this is simply because he was able to go a full distance in a fight for the first time and in the process showed poise and the ability to control the fight from start to finish. Obviously, it goes without saying that a fighter having the ability to score quick statement-making knockouts will always get more attention particularly amongst a casual fanbase. Nevertheless, there is something to say about a fighter that is also able to show the ability to go the distance and be able to tactically control not only the tempo of the fight, but more specifically, his approach throughout.

 

Although it is also obvious that the competition level will increase as Walsh continues to progress in his career, a decision victory against a veteran like Benjamin Whitaker will do more for his development in the long-term than a quick knockout would have. Simply put, it is often these types of fights that a fighter’s handlers will use as an evaluation tool to determine exactly where their fighter is in their development and to then determine when and how they will step up the caliber of opposition. For now, Callum Walsh succeeded in what was clearly designed as a test to see where he is at this stage in his career. It was a test that he passed with flying colors and now the challenge for his team and promoter Tom Loeffler will be to determine who they will try to match him against next as he moves up to fights scheduled for eight rounds.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison