David Walker - should he box on? by Ronnie McCluskey Aug 8th 2004

Let me start by saying David 'Kid Dynamite' Walker is one of the most exciting British fighters in recent years. His couragous efforts, albeit against mostly sub-par opposition, have earned him a reputation as a never-say-die slugger. But is it worth it? Boxing is a tricky business at the best of times. To make a healthy wage from boxing is no mean feat. Even if you are a good fighter, your style may not be particularly suited to TV audiences. For example, if you have a defensive style, not many people will be too keen to watch your fights with their beer, every few months. David Walker does not have this problem. Watching his fights prompts an adreneline rush, his heart and will to will is uncommonly inspirational. However, I am starting to think this guy should hang up the gloves, and pursue other things. This may sound degrading, hell I, myself, am starting to think the very same...but retirement at this stage would be most beneficial for the game Walker. His style is undoubtedly going to maintain good audiences for his fights, but you have to look at other factors. Firstly, he gets hit FAR too much. Receiving punishment is all part of this proud sport we love so much, but when your head is being snapped back and you are getting hit from all angles, it verges on barbaric. David Walker's style is to come forward, behind a high defence, and pressure his opponent. However, after recently studying a few of his bouts, I've come to the conclusion that his defence is poor and his chin often rises in the air as he punches. Against calculating fighters this is a big negative. In fact, it's a big negative full stop. At 28, with no title in your grasp, and no big wins on your record, you must start to get serious. Now, I have a tremendous amount of respect for this proud fighter, but he needs to forget boxing before he gets seriously injured. Another factor which has made me come to my conclusion is that Walker can't take a punch. Maybe thats a little harsh. His punch resistance is not great is perhaps more apt. Either way, Walker has been down about five times, if my memory serves me right. Granted, three of those were suffered at the hands of the current EBU light-middleweight champion Roman Karmazin, but Spencer Fearon is hardly a big puncher. Walker was also shaken up several times by the journeyman Kevin Phelan in his last outing. This fight was supposed to be a tune-up - a routine sparring session almost. Phelan almost came out on top. Having a poor defence AND a weak chin is a lethal combination in boxing. It can be the end of some fighters. Even some guys who have a great defence, but poor chin, can falter. Like I said, this is a very risky business we associate ourselves with. Exhibit C - Walker doesn't have the ability to compete among the top fighters in his division. That doesn't sound too bad you may think, I mean, not every fighter can be top ten material. You can still be a dangerous fighter, a well-paid professional, even if you are not among the best. I'd say that's right. However, Walker seems to struggle with journeymen opposition as well. Phelan, Fearon, Vincent...he's been around the mill, and he's been busted up pretty good at times. How can you justify carrying on like that, unless you are very poor? I don't get it. Where's the logic? I think, and I'm not 100% here, but doesn't Walker have a trade? Either way, unless he is hurting for money, which is unlikely considering he's earned some from boxing and is working, he should quit. He already has a good ring record, consisting of 21 victories, with only two defeats (neither of these were avenged). He has proved throughout his short career that he is a warrior. The fact that he is reckless and prone to taking the fight to the trenches, makes him the boxer he is. But its potentially hazardous. I suppose you could argue that Walker fights because he loves boxing. Maybe that's true. I myself can't understand that mind you, considering he's been to hell and back, in some of his fights, but its possible. Who am I to question him? What gives me the right? Well, tell me to keep my nose out, but I feel for this guy. He doesn't need it. After his last fight, against Phelan, he huffed puffed, and shook his head, muttering his disappointment and angst. I felt sorry for him. He wants it so bad, but can't seem to control himself enough to win easily, against a decent fighter. It's a tragedy. Some people may also say the guy could make some serious money for boxing. I'd be inclined to disagree - I mean, he's already 28, and in his biggest fight to date, he succumbed to an onslaught in three rounds. He won't get another big chance like that for a while, at least until he proves himself again, and next time maybe he won't recover. Furthermore, I don't think he has the ability to shock a world champion, or even a known, successful fighter. This may sound like I am trailing David Walker through the mud here. But my premise is right. This kid could be seriously hurt in the ring, because of his style, and there is little pay-off in return.

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