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Conah Walker Returns To Wolverhampton In WBA World Title
Eliminator Against Alexis Rocha On Dec. 5
World Title hopeful Conah Walker will be welcomed home to
Wolverhampton, as he faces dangerous American southpaw
Alexis Rocha to The Halls in a thriller before Christmas on
Saturday, December 5 – live worldwide on DAZN.
Walker (18-3-1, 9 KOs) most recently produced a 10th round
stoppage against Sam Eggington in a Fight of The Year
contender in May and established himself as one of Britain's
most exciting fighters.
The Jamie Moore-trained Welterweight, 31, has enjoyed a
remarkable rise over the past two years – beating the likes
of Pat McCormack, Liam Taylor, Harry Scarff and Lewis Ritson
– and is riding a five-fight winning streak, with four of
those victories coming inside the distance.
Now ranked No.3 by the WBA, former British & Commonwealth
Champion Walker is closing in on his dream of challenging
for the top prize in the 147lbs division, but 'The Wolf'
knows he must first dispatch a game Rocha in this WBA
eliminator.
Walker said: "I'm back headlining in Wolverhampton in front
my people. They aren’t fans, they are friends and family and
I’ll give them another night to remember. From the first
bell you know what I bring and this fight won’t be any
different. I want to do a right job on Rocha."
"I'm enjoying every minute of my career and a big win on
December 5 puts me one step closer to winning a World Title.
Let's have it!"
Despite the strong home support against him, Golden Boy
fighter Rocha insists he is “excited” by the prospect of
facing Walker in his backyard.
“First, I want to thank Eric Gomez for this opportunity and
for the continued support from him and the entire Golden Boy
Promotions team,” said Rocha.
"I also want to thank my management team, Abraham Perez, my
coach Hector Lopez and the rest of my coaching staff for
everything they do for me.
"I don’t know too much about Conah Walker yet, but I’ve
watched some videos of him, and he looks like a strong
fighter who likes to come forward. I’m looking forward to
getting in the ring with him and put on a great show.
"This is another important step in chasing my dream. I know
that a win on December 5 will bring me one step closer to
earning a World Title opportunity and that’s why I’m working
hard every day.
"I’m excited to travel to the UK, compete in front of the
fans and put on a great show. I’m ready to get to work and
give everyone a great fight.”
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn believes Walker is
ready to compete at the top, but warns he must get the job
done against Rocha first.
“It really is shaping up to be a December to remember for
fight fans,” said Hearn.
“This event kickstarts an incredible run of fights over the
festive period, with AJ versus Fury to follow just days
later, before our annual Monte-Carlo extravaganza.
“Conah Walker is without question, one of the most exciting
fighters in the sport today. He has given us so many
memorable nights and on Saturday, December 5, he will
deliver an early Christmas treat in his hometown of
Wolverhampton.
“The Halls will be absolutely rocking. And I am confident
the Wolf will tee up what promises to be an exciting 2027.”
Californian contender Rocha, 29, boasts a record of 27-2-1
(16 KOs). On a strong run of results himself, Rocha defeated
former World Champion Joseph Diaz by unanimous decision in
March, before adding another former World Champion to his
record with a unanimous decision victory over José Ramírez
in September.
And Golden Boy Promotions chief Oscar De La Hoya believes
Rocha will be ready to spoil Walker's party.
“Alexis Rocha showed tremendous heart and grit in his last
fight against Jose Ramirez, and that kind of performance
proves he belongs in the mix with the best fighters in the
welterweight division,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy
Promotions De La Hoya.
“Conah Walker is a tough, come-forward fighter, and with
Alexis heading into his backyard in the UK, I expect an
all-action fight.”
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