Learning Liam Walsh wants KO streak
A more mature Liam Walsh [4(1)-0-2] believes the National Stadium will see his best pro performance on Saturday night.
The Kerry fighter fights for the seventh time as a pro on the Jason Quigley-topped Elite-Sheer card on the South Circular Road.
The 20-year-old claims he comes to ring more seasoned than previously and has now found his feet in the sport.
As a result, he predicts a stand-out showing and is hoping to make it back-to-back knockout wins at the first-ever purpose-built boxing stadium.
“My best performance to date,” he tells Irish-boxing.com when asked for a prediction.
“I believe I’m really maturing in and outside of the gym. The things I’ve been working on in the last 6 camps are feeling much more natural in training.
“I’ll get a win and would hope for another knockout. We will see on Saturday night.”
Considering Michal Slavikh, his opponent, who is 19 years his senior was stopped in his last two fights, Walsh may be afforded the chance to secure another early finish.
He seems to think he will be given the chance to land clean at the very least.
“I’m expecting a come-forward opponent but I won’t let that happen. On what I’ve seen on him he’s busy and likes the front foot. Camp has gone unbelievably well I’m fully prepared we have left no stone unturned and I believe everyone will see that on Saturday night.”
Saturday represents the first time Walsh will fight on a pro show with his older brother, Paddy. He says preparing alongside a sibling has been helpful in more ways than one.
“Training alongside my brother has made camp easier for me as I’m not doing it alone. Paddy is a very skilful boxer and we have pushed each other in this camp.”
With six rounders under his belt and pushing closer to the 10-0 mark there will be talk of domestic fights for Walsh over the coming year.
The light middleweight prospect is well aware of that fact but is more than happy to spend another year learning and will survey his all Irish options then.
“I’m taking it fight-by-fight. It has been mentioned to me many times but I am still only 20 years of age. I’m still in my learning stages but we can have a look where we stand at the end of the year.”
