Double joy for Conah Walker at Midlands Boxing Awards

The 30-year-old welterweight was also given an outstanding achievement award in recognition of his stunning 2025 at the event, hosted by Cannock’s Premier Suite on Sunday.

Walker won all three of his bouts across the year, beginning with a dramatic 11th round stoppage of Harry Scarff to claim the British title.

The former Merridale amateur then defended his Lonsdale crown by beating Liam Taylor in seven rounds, before a thrilling 12th round stoppage victory over Olympic medallist Pat McCormack in Monte-Carlo last month.

Walker has since relinquished his British title in order to focus on his main goal of winning world honours in 2026.

Dudley featherweight Ryan Griffiths was also recognised for a busy 12 months at Sunday’s award ceremony by being named the region’s champion of champions.

The 25-year-old, who is due to box for the English title in the spring, fought five times over the course of the year, twice defending his Midland Area belt.

Worksop’s IBO world flyweight champion Nicola Hopewell was named female boxer of the year, while Stoke’s Lewis Lawton and Gainsborough’s Gemma Richardson were selected as male and female prospects of the year respectively.

November’s thrilling area middleweight title clash between Aaron Bowen and Tom Cowling, which took place on the undercard of Darlaston Olympian Ben Whittaker’s win over Benjamin Gavazi, was named fight of the year.