When Kevin Walsh travelled to Belfast in March, few gave the unbeaten American much chance of spoiling Michael Conlan’s plans.
Conlan’s homecoming bout at the SSE Arena was supposed to be another step towards rebuilding his career and positioning himself for another run at world honours. Instead, it was Walsh who left Belfast with the biggest victory of his career and a place firmly in the featherweight title picture.
The Brockton native arrived in the north of Ireland carrying an undefeated record, but many Irish fans saw him as an opponent hand-picked for Conlan’s return. Walsh never viewed it that way.
From the moment he landed in Belfast, the Irish-American carried the belief that his time had arrived.
“It was amazing walking into the ring in Ireland, like a dream come true,” Walsh said. “It felt like I was in a movie and I was just playing my part. I was relaxed but excited because I knew it was my time. I just knew it.”
The victory transformed Walsh from a relatively unknown contender into one of the names being discussed at world level. Yet for the 20-0 featherweight, fighting in Ireland meant far more than simply securing the biggest win of his career.
Walsh’s connection to Ireland runs deep. His late father was a proud Irish-American, and stepping into the ring on Irish soil was an emotional moment that he believes was destined to happen.
“It meant the world to have my first big fight in Ireland,” he said. “My father was Irish, God rest his soul. It felt like it was all meant to be.”
The experience left a lasting impression on the American, who quickly found himself embraced by many Irish supporters despite defeating one of the country’s most popular fighters.
“I hope I gained a lot of fans out in Ireland and in the UK area,” Walsh said. “I love Ireland. Wonderful place and people. I would love to fight out there again and I’m hoping to get the opportunity.”
Walsh’s roots may stretch back across the Atlantic, but they remain an important part of his identity. Growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts, he also inherited the legacy of one of boxing’s most famous fighting cities, home to legends Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.
“I am extremely prideful coming from the same city Rocky Marciano and Hagler represented as well,” Walsh said. “Those are huge footsteps to fill and I believe I’m the one.”
Now, with the Conlan victory behind him and his ranking continuing to climb, Walsh has his eyes fixed firmly on a world title opportunity.
One name stands above all others.
WBC champion, Bruce Carrington, has emerged as one of the leading figures in the featherweight division and is the man Walsh wants next. While he believes some fighters may view him as a dangerous risk with little reward, Walsh is convinced his opportunity will come.
“Yes, I want Carrington ASAP,” he said. “But these guys know I’m a big threat and low reward. My time will come when it’s meant to be.”
And when that fight arrives, Walsh is backing himself to make a statement.
“I will KO Shu Shu, respectfully. He’s fast, but I’m too strong for him.”
The confidence that carried Walsh into Belfast against Conlan remains as strong as ever. He arrived in Ireland as the underdog who few expected to win. He left with the biggest scalp of his career, a growing Irish fanbase and a clear route towards the top of the featherweight division.
Now the Irish-American is targeting the biggest prize in the sport — and believes a world title fight against Bruce Carrington is only a matter of time.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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