Celtic Clash – Callum Walsh Expects to go WAR with ‘Deadly’ Celtic Cousin

Irish light middleweight Callum Walsh is anticipating a battle for the ages when he faces Scotland’s Dean Sutherland at Madison Square Garden on March 16.

Returning to the iconic venue for the third time, the Cork native is set to headline a stacked card on a massive weekend for Irish boxing in New York.

His opponent, Sutherland, is a former Boxing Union of Ireland Celtic champion, bringing plenty of fighting spirit to what Walsh expects to be an explosive clash.

“The only way you’re going to headline a show like this is if you’re fighting, and both of us are going to put on a show for the fans,” Walsh said. “His style is very aggressive and my style is very aggressive, and we will meet in the middle of the ring.”

The event also features a lineup of top Irish talent, including Thomas Carty, Feargal McCrory, Donagh Keary, and a highly anticipated all-Irish rematch between Kevin Cronin and Emmet Brennan.

Walsh is no stranger to fighting at Madison Square Garden during St. Patrick’s week, a tradition upheld by Irish boxing greats like Michael Conlan, Matthew Macklin, and John Duddy. The significance of the moment is not lost on him.

“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of so many great Irish fighters who fought in New York City before me,” Walsh said. “There’s nothing like fighting at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. This is my third time headlining here, and I know the Irish will turn out in a very big way on March 16.”

With a powerful backing team that includes Tom Loeffler, Dana White, and legendary trainer Freddie Roach, Walsh believes this event will be historic.

“The team that I have Tom Loeffler, Dana White, Freddie Roach is the best team in boxing, and that’s why we’re here at Madison Square Garden,” he added. “It’s the biggest Irish boxing card in New York City history, and I’m looking forward to headlining that.”

Tyson Fury Joins Wayne Rooney to Lead England at Soccer Aid 2025

Tyson Fury is stepping out of the boxing ring and onto the football pitch sort of. The heavyweight champion has teamed up with former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney to co-manage the England squad for Soccer Aid 2025, the charity match that raises funds for Unicef.

Rooney, 39, will be lacing up his boots once again, while 36-year-old Fury, despite announcing his retirement from boxing earlier this year, hasn’t ruled out making an appearance on the field himself.

Sharing his excitement, Fury said, “Tyson Fury: England manager. Who would ever have thought it?” He added, “I have had some big fights in my career, and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight.”

A lifelong Manchester United fan, Fury is particularly thrilled that the game will take place at Old Trafford on June 15. “Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney. How can we lose?” he said. More importantly, he emphasized the significance of the event: “The work Unicef does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”

Since its launch in 2006 by Unicef UK ambassador Robbie Williams, Soccer Aid has raised over £106 million for charity.

The upcoming edition will feature a star-studded lineup, including Paddy McGuinness, Gary Neville, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, Sam Quek, Steven Bartlett, Sir Mo Farah, and One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.

Rooney, who previously participated in Soccer Aid, is eager to return. “I enjoyed the last time I was involved at Soccer Aid so much that when the call came for the 2025 match, it was a really easy decision,” he said. Pairing up with Fury makes the event even more exciting for him. “I’m a big boxing fan, so to do it alongside Tyson Fury is fantastic. It really sums up how brilliant Soccer Aid is. We have this in common: we’ll both be taking it incredibly seriously.”

While Rooney is looking forward to reuniting with old friends, he made it clear that the cause is the real reason for his participation. “Obviously, it’s great to lace up the old boots again – and see some old friends – but the cause is the real reason we are doing this,” he said, urging fans to buy tickets. “Unicef needs our help. So, I promise we’ll put on a show for you this June if you buy your tickets to help raise money for Unicef and for children around the world.”

England will take on the Soccer Aid World XI FC, which includes stars like Gladiator’s “Diamond” Livi Sheldon and former Italian footballer Leonardo Bonucci.

Meanwhile, Top Gear and Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, a Soccer Aid veteran, is already looking forward to the event. “This year’s Soccer Aid match at Old Trafford is going to be an absolute belter. I genuinely love this event – it’s a highlight of the year for me,” he said. Addressing his shift to playing in goal, he joked, “I’ve been involved for many years now and still can’t believe it has become the world’s biggest charity football match. I don’t run around quite as much as I used to, which is why I play in goal now – I’m representing all the dads out there, which is funny because the game takes place on Father’s Day.”

With football legends, celebrities, and a world-class venue, Soccer Aid 2025 is set to be another thrilling event all in the name of a great cause.