Walker not expecting a walk over, but is targeting Euro’s and Rio

WINNING a Senior title at the first attempt could open a host of doors for Kurt Walker, claims the boxer himself.

The 56kg finalist and amateur standout looked at home at National Elite senior level with a confident and comfortable win over Jamie Higgins of St Brigids last Friday night, but aspirations beyond being crowned the best in Ireland.

Being in the same weight category as one of the Worlds best Michael Conlan hasn’t dampened the Canal teen’s ambition or altered his plans. Walker wants European and Olympic success after he collects the Irish strap.

“Winning a Senior title would be the best thing in the World for me. It opens doors for me I am going to target the Europeans this year and I want to get to the Olypmics. I have Micheal Conlan in front of me, but all I can do is keeping working hard and to challenge at the top,” Walker told Irish-boxing.com.

Although Walker isn’t cocky there is nothing too quite about his confidence. He should be full of self belief going into a decider against Sean Higginson of St John Bosco, who he beat in the Ulster Finals, but he claims he is taking nothing for granted.

“This is my first year in the Seniors and it is brilliant to be in the final. I beat this kid in the Ulster final a few weeks ago. I had a bad hand that night too, but I am not over confident the final should be a good fight. I need to train like I did for this fight,” he added before reflecting on his semi final win.

“I was comfortable enough in there. Sometimes I start slow but I banked the first round and I knew then I just had to get another so I was relaxed.”