That is concerning for a fighter receiving a major promotional push from Dana White and Zuffa Boxing. Denny is 35, has one knockout in 29 professional fights, and has already operated around European level. Walsh should be separating himself from this type of opposition if a world-level move is coming soon.

Denny dropped Walsh in the opening round during an unusual exchange in close. Walsh was ducking low while seemingly anticipating a break, but Denny continued punching, and the referee ruled it a knockdown.

Walsh responded in the second, flooring Denny with a well-timed left hand. He used his superior speed, reach and cleaner straight punches to win rounds after that, but he never turned the fight into the dominant homecoming performance he had wanted.

The eighth became particularly untidy. Walsh was docked a point for holding before Denny lost one for hitting behind the head.

Denny was still making Walsh uncomfortable late. He pressured him during a strong ninth round and opened a cut near Walsh’s left eye, forcing the heavily backed prospect to deal with another difficult stretch before finishing the fight.

Walsh deserved to win. The problem was how much work a limited 35-year-old opponent made him do to get there.

Dana White clearly sees considerable potential in Walsh, and at 25 there is still time for Freddie Roach and the Wild Card team to develop him. Tonight, however, exposed the distance that remains between beating experienced domestic and European opposition and competing with world-class middleweights.

If Denny can make Walsh this uncomfortable, moving him rapidly toward the division’s best would be a significant gamble.