Conah Walker fires warning to rival as he awaits next opponent
Wolverhampton boxing ace Conah Walker has warned Olympic star Pat McCormack getting into the ring with him would be a big mistake.
The British welterweight champion says he would welcome a fight with Tokyo 2020 silver medallist McCormack, after it was reported promoter Matchroom were trying to get the bout scheduled for the undercard of Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Junior’s rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November.
McCormack, who extended his professional record to a perfect eight wins from eight when he beat Mexico’s Miguel Parra earlier this month in an eliminator for the WBA world title, is also keen on the contest.
But Walker, who recorded a successful first defence of the British crown when he stopped Liam Taylor in June, is confident he would emerge the victor.
He told the Matchroom Boxing podcast: “I do believe I’ll have the beating of Pat. I don’t believe they will put him in there with me next.
“I just believe that now, after eight fights, he has not been to where I would take him.
“I believe him taking the fight with me would be similar to (when I fought) Cyrus Pattinson - too early for him.
“He hasn’t done his acid tests and I think I would dog him.
“Yes, he’s been to the very top in the amateurs. Yes, he is an outstanding boxer.
“But you have to be outstanding for 12 rounds with me. When he does dip and he does fade, which he will, I won’t. I will just keep creeping up.”
Walker, back in the gym after enjoying a well-earned break following the Taylor win, continued: “Look, I hope it comes off. I think it would be a massive addition to Eubank-Benn, which I am hoping to get on. We will see what happens.”
“It would be 100 per cent yes from me. You know me, I don’t say no to a fight.
“There are other options, which I can’t discuss. I am back in full swing now and just waiting for the phone to ring.”
Walker is excited for whatever comes next as he aims to continue his remarkable ascent through the sport.
The 30-year-old has won five of his last six fights, with the only defeat a controversial points loss to newly-crowned IBF world champion Lewis Crocker.
He won the British title in January with a dramatic 11th round knockout of Harry Scarff, having been behind on all three scorecards.
Walker said: “Everything else now is a bonus. I set out in boxing to win the British title.
“But I always said if you can win a British title, you can push on. The British level of boxing is recognised worldwide.
“I do believe I can push on with the team I have now. There is self-belief. I’ve had my acid tests, I’ve been in the tough fights and come back from being down on the scorecards.
“I’ve fought in front of thousands, so I’m not really fussed about anything. I’m just a fat kid from Wolverhampton, coming to have a go.
“Now people are talking about me fighting Pat, who has been in boxing his whole life. I only started when I was 18.
“I believe - and a lot of other people believe - I have the beating of these guys. Over 12 rounds, I’m a horrible piece of work. Bring on all these massive fights.”
