New dad Conah gets chance on TV show

The early days…Conah with then trainer Ricky Hatton

WOLVERHAMPTON’S Conah Walker says fight fans will see the best of him now he’s a dad – and has given up chocolate, writes Matt Bozeat.

The birth of son Leo seven weeks ago is driving on Walker ahead of his fight with Kane Gardner in front of the Channel Five cameras in Bolton on March 24.

The 27-year-old with an 11-1-1 record has been snapped up by top promoters Wasserman and handed a place on their show topped by Manchester light-heavyweight Lyndon Arthur fighting for IBO world honours.

Walker said: “This is the night I’ve been waiting for since I started boxing when I was 18 years old.

“You want to get on television with a big promoter. I didn’t turn professional with a big promoter behind me. I’ve worked my way up and now I’m on Channel Five and it’s do or die time.

“Having Leo has given me a different sort of energy. I’ve got something to fight for. I’ve got more meaning now.”

The other major change to Walker’s lifestyle is his diet.

The former Merridale amateur has dropped down to light-welter, having won Midlands Area honours and challenged for the English belt at 10 st 7lbs.

He said: “I love chocolate, but I haven’t had one bar this year. I’ve cured my addiction. I don’t have a sweet tooth any more. That’s probably why I was a welterweight and not a light-welterweight (or super-lightweight).”

Conah with Black Country Boxing’s head trainer Paul Mann

Walker decided to drop down after losing a tight decision to Samuel Antwi for the English title in Cardiff last February.

Walker said: “I should be English welterweight champion, but I respect the decision and we push on. It was hard to take, but it gave me a kick up the bum. People have been saying from the start I should box at 10 stones.”

Walker knows what to expect from Gardner and is confident how the eight-round fight will turn out.

He said: “We sparred regularly when I was up in Manchester at the start of my career with Ricky Hatton and they were good 50-50 spars.

“We shared a ring many times and I know what a good lad he is.

“He had a good amateur career, so the fundamentals are there. The plan is to break him down systematically.”

Walker says the target is a match with Harlem Eubank, nephew of Chris Snr.

Eubank boxes seven days after Walker in London. Conah said: “He’s fifth in the (UK) rankings (on website BoxRec) and difficult to match. I’ve told Wasserman I will take it. But I’m not looking beyond my next one.”