(Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing)
Conah Walker has no intention of disappointing fans who are anticipating fireworks when he faces Sam Eggington on Saturday.
They meet in an English Midlands derby that could catch fire and Walker – along with many others – has it pegged as a possible fight-of-the-year contender.
The 30 year old, from Wolverhampton, is ranked fifth by the WBA, and should he get through his veteran opponent he will be on the cusp of a title shot.
Walker is in the form of his life, following big wins over Harry Scarff, Liam Taylor and Pat McCormack. But the Eggington fight is one that has long appealed to him.
“I’ve been asking for Sam Eggington as long as I can remember, because it sells, for one,” Walker told BoxingScene ahead of their sold-out clash at The Halls at the University of Wolverhampton. “As you can see with how fast it sold out and the backing we’ve got behind it – and people are sort of shouting from the rooftops. So, I’ve been asking for it for a very long time and it’s come to fruition now. We was back and forth [on social media] before just saying ‘Look, we’ll try and get it sorted’ in our messages to each other.
“He tweeted, because we didn’t get the fight with Ekow [Essuman], which we wanted. He said ‘I’ve seen that Conor’s struggling for an opponent, I’ll step in’. I’ve retweeted, I’ve reshared it, and I’ve messaged him saying ‘Look, I’ve put your name forward as the one I want’.”
They are throwback fighters who have done the deal with a modern twist. There was little back and forth, on socials or in negotiations, and the deal was soon done. They know one another well, too.
“We’re mates,” said Walker. “We grew up around the same area. We’ve been on the scene for years. I’ve watched all his fights coming up and he’s a good man. Nothing against him, we’re just in this business to fight and make money. And we shake hands after. But as it stands, we’re going to tear each other’s face off.”
Despite their familiarity with one another, they’ve never previously shared a ring.
Walker is on fire following recent wins, while Eggington was given an uncomfortable night by Lee Cutler in his past fight in April 2025. Walker contends that if that version of Eggington shows up against him, then it will be straightforward.
“He’ll get a beatdown,” said Walker. But “The Wolf” is not anticipating that. He felt that Bournemouth’s Cutler was getting to Eggington…
2026-04-28 06:00:00
