Conah Walker has come up the hard way but will finally get a shot at the British welterweight title against Harry Scarff Saturday at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
Walker has been matched hard throughout his career, never shying away from a tough test. Walker was defeated by Samuel Antwi and Kane Gardner but bounced back from those losses to beat prospect Cyrus Patterson and then pushed Lewis Crocker close. Many would have doubted themselves after falling short but Walker always knew he would challenge for the British title.
“There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to get here,” Walker told BoxingScene. “When I’d get there I never knew. We’re here now and I’m feeling more than prepared, I feel like I’m in the peak of my career and I’m at the best age and I’ve fought every style that’s been out there, I’ve never turned down a fight and look, it’s here now and I’m looking forward to it.
“You keep grinding, you keep grafting away and these opportunities prevent themselves. I just show that it can happen, the kid that’s come up from the small halls and took every fight that’s been presented. I want the young lads who are coming through and turning pro to see that, if I can do it, you can do it, just keep grafting, don’t beat yourself up if you have a loss, because nowadays mate, it’s not the Mayweather era anymore, if a Sunday League football team loses, what do they do? ‘I’m gonna pack up and retire?’ No, you just carry on, you rebuild and that’s all that is.”
Walker will have to dethrone Scarf if he is to leave Nottingham with the prestigious Lonsdale Belt. Scarf is a tricky customer, nicknamed ‘Horrible Harry’ because he’s a tough night’s work for anybody, regardless of their level. He recently competed in a final eliminator for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ IBF title and pushed Karen Chukhadzian all the way, but lost a decision.
“It’s gonna be a tough fight, don’t get me wrong,” said Walker. “I’ve got no doubt in my mind it’s gonna be a tough fight. I’m looking forward to it, but I just feel I’ll have an answer for him, it’s my night Saturday and no one’s gonna take that away from me.
“Yeah it was a good performance [against Chukhadzian],” he continued, “Don’t get me wrong, he was in there, he was in there all the way through, but I think that I could do the same. I reckon I’d get the win but look, he’s another fighter that takes every fight, big props to him and we’re gonna settle our differences on Saturday night, and that’s that.”
Scarf has been vocal on how his experience at a higher level will help separate him and Walker. Scarf believes he is levels above Walker and that will be apparent on Saturday night.
“I love the fact he’s saying that,” Walker said. “You keep saying that, you keep overlooking me mate, it’ll be a shock to his system when I clip it on him. I’m just expecting to meet him with everything that he brings. Whatever he brings I’m gonna nullify it and beat him up all around the ring.
“I don’t know what he’s gonna bring to the table but I’ve got a sneaky idea of how he’s gonna approach things and I’ve done my homework, and you know let Saturday night reveal itself. I’m just looking forward to it and I’m looking forward to my hand getting raised at the end and waking up on Sunday morning with my son, my belt and a massive breakfast!”
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