BRITISH welterweight champion Conah Walker believes that he would introduce rising star Pat McCormack to a rude awakening in the professional ranks.
The fan-friendly operator comes off a stunning 11th-round finish over Harry Scarff, halting the awkward customer after trailing far behind on the judges’ scorecards.
His remarkable come-from-behind victory – which followed a unanimous decision win against Lewis Ritson – saw him claim the British and Commonwealth titles last January.
But now, Walker, 15-3-1 (6 KOs), is gearing up to produce another typically thrilling display when he squares off against Liam Taylor on June 21.
The pair will collide at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England, featuring on a Matchroom Boxing card headlined by Galal Yafai vs Francisco Rodriguez Jr.
And yet, while Walker is by no means overlooking his next opponent, he equally acknowledges that another assignment – should he retain his titles, that is – could quite easily materialise soon after.
Olympic silver medallist McCormack, 7-0 (5 KOs), has, after all, earned himself a mandatory position for the 30-year-old’s coveted Lonsdale Belt.
It was a title eliminator against battle-hardened veteran Robbie Davies Jr, in fact, that saw the explosive technician emerge with a scintillating sixth-round stoppage victory in February.
Yet despite his clinical performance against Davies, Walker has no problem with facing McCormack, who – putting his amateur credentials to one side – is still yet to prove himself as a sturdy professional.
Equally, the Midlands man knows full well that, in order to win his British title outright, he would need to take on the talented prospect sooner or later.
“I’d love to share the ring with him,” Walker told Boxing News. “I respect him for what he’s done in his career, but he’s a fighter that’s on my radar.
“I’d give him a welcome to the professional ranks and, once it’s time to fight him, I’ll give him a big eye-opener.
“The thing is with me; I’m everyone’s worst nightmare. You could hit me with a sledgehammer and I’m still going to come forward.
“He’s going to have to knock me out, and if he doesn’t, he’s in trouble.”
