Written by Amy Tuscher
📸 @matchroomboxing & @markrobinsonphoto
It was Heigh-Ho Wolverhampton last night and the atmosphere was at fever pitch as the much awaited return of one of their own, Conah Walker, headlined in his home city.
The Civic Hall hosted a Matchroom Boxing Fight Night labelled The Trenches, and that is exactly where both men had to go.
It was a blood-and-guts Midlands derby that will likely be remembered as a Fight of the Year contender as Conah Walker cemented his status as one of British boxing's greats after stopping the legendary "Savage" Sam Eggington in a tenth-round thriller.
Conah Walker stepped into the ring in his home city after an epic ring walk that left the room shaking. However, the early rounds belonged to the veteran experience of Eggington. Known for his granite chin and relentless engine, Eggington used his jab and a series of punishing right uppercuts in the fourth and fifth rounds to keep Walker at bay.
📸 @matchroomboxing & @markrobinsonphoto
The momentum shifted dramatically in the eighth round however; Walker, sensing the fight might be slipping away, dug deep and delivered a sickening left hook to the body that sent Eggington to the canvas for an eight-count. Though Eggington survived the round with his trademark grit, the tide had turned. By the tenth round, Walker was relentless. A heavy right hand froze Eggington in his tracks, and as Walker unleashed a barrage of unanswered shots, referee Steve Gray stepped in to end the war.
A jubilant Walker wasted no time in his post-fight interview, calling out British rival Conor Benn and stated:
"You have proved it. There are no friends in boxing, me and you can get it on. If you think you're the man in England, come and prove it. AJ and Fury undercard, co-main event. Come and get it big boy."
Promoter Eddie Hearn also said he "would love it" if he could make this fight. Walker also wants and deserves a shot at World Titles so he will have eyes on the rescheduled Crocker vs. Paro fight for the IBF Welterweight World Title.
📸 @matchroomboxing & @markrobinsonphoto
The undercard and co-main event fights were equally explosive, featuring dominant performances from Matchroom's huge stable of talent.
In the co-main event, Bilal Fawaz made a statement in his first defense of the British and Commonwealth junior middleweight titles. He wore down a valiant Ryan Kelly, who eventually remained on his stool after the ninth round.
In the post-fight interview, Promoter Eddie Hearn gave a rousing speech in aid of Bilal Fawaz and his dismay that Fawaz had still not yet been issued a British passport, despite the fact that Fawaz has represented Britain, won a British title, worked and resided in the country for over 20 years. With him unable to do so, limits the 38 year old, Fawaz' ability to potentially go on to capture World titles as he is unable to leave the Country.
In the opening fight of the Main Card, Shannon Ryan secured the defence of her IBF Intercontinental belt but also captured the previously vacant Commonwealth Super Flyweight belt with a lightning-fast second-round stoppage of Nicola Hopewell with a devastating knockout blow.
The Beast, Harley Burrows made his Matchroom and professional debut with a dominating points win over Lewis Howells after 4 rounds to go 1-0.
📸 @matchroomboxing & @markrobinsonphoto
"The Star Girl" Tiah Mai Ayton continued her meteoric rise, dismantling the experienced former European challenger Stevi Levy. Her power was on full display as Ayton stepped up to the Featherweight division. After an onslaught of shots and a flurry of sickening uppercuts, Levy’s corner threw in the towel in the fourth round with Ayton now 6-0, 5 of those coming by way of knock out!
Junaid Bostan returned to the ring and to winning ways after not fighting since October 25, he put in a disciplined performance and a convincing points victory over a very tough Mohammed Graich, while young prospect from Essex Louie Ward moved to 2-0 with a composed, shutout win over a durable Jesus Carrasco.
📸 @matchroomboxing & @markrobinsonphoto
It was an incredible night of Boxing in Wolverhampton for "The Wolf" Conah Walkers homecoming following his huge title win in Monte Carlo in December. Both men went "to the trenches" and showed that British Boxing is certainly in good, but very heavy hands!
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