‘The Wolf’ Conah Walker was in a contender of the Year contest as he took on the undefeated Lewis Crocker at the Resorts World Birmingham on the Matchroom promotions show (22.6.24). Walker, twenty nine from Wolverhampton bought a massive following to Birmingham with a record of thirteen wins and one draw out of sixteen fights. Crocker (27) from Belfast came into the contest unbeaten winning all nineteen fights so far. The welterweight contest was over ten three-minute rounds with both fighters weighing in ten stone six with Steve Grey reffing.
Walker started the first well pushing Crocker back going head and body well, Crocker got some good shots off but Walker won the round. Walker continued to press in the second going head and body well, Crocker picked some nice shots, but Walker won it on work rate. Walker kept up his high pace in the third with Crocker covering up well. Crocker was busier in this round and nicked it with the more eye-catching shots. Walker stayed busy in the fourth landing some nice combinations with Crocker looking for the odd flash combination, Walker won the round on work-rate.
Walker continued to press in the fifth and pushed Crocker back who was covering up well but was not matching Walker’s work-rate. Crocker started to use his jab in the sixth keeping Walker off him well, Walker continued to press and had some joy but Crocker won this round. Walker's right eye was starting to close as Crocker stepped up his pace with some lovely jabs and body shots, Walker continued to press but Crocker got this round.
Full out War in the eighth as both fighters landing big shots, would have to give it to Walker on his work-rate. Walker had a point taken off for continuous low blows at the start of the ninth, this seemed to send Walker into over drive as he poured forward Crocker had some great moments landing great combinations but Walker was relentless winning the round. Walkers right eye was completely closed but ‘The Wolf’ continued to press letting shots go as Crocker battling back on the back foot in a fantastic final round, with both fighters leaving everything the ring, even round.
Judge Laszek Janowiak and Terry O’Connor had it 93 to 96 Crocker, judge Oleba Pobyvailo had it 94 to 96 Crocker, Myself I had it 96 to 94 Walker.
Crocker wins on points.
Dexter’s Thoughts
What a fantastic fight but I have to say I was shocked by the result as I had Walker winning by two rounds even with the point reduction. This is definitely a fight of the year contender but I’d say I can not see this not being the Bbcolumn fight of the year as it had everything in it. As much as the result was wrong for me I really do hope that Walker gets a rematch as he deserves to be able to right this wrong. Well done to Conah Walker for a great performance just a shame the result was wrong.