Harry Scarff vs Conah Walker Predictions: Amateur rivals renew hostilities for the Lord Lonsdale

Harry Scarff defends his British and Commonwealth welterweight championships against Conah Walker this Saturday, January 25. The bout takes place on the undercard of Dalton Smith’s European title shot against Walid Ouizza. The Nottingham Arena hosts the event, which will be broadcast live on DAZN.

Here are my Scarff vs Walker predictions ahead of a domestic meeting with some ill feeling.

Scarff vs Walker Fight Odds

Scarff is your favourite at 8/11 while Walker is 6/5 to pull off the upset. It’s a close one this, a testament to the thrilling domestic dust-up in the offing. With that in mind, the draw at 14/1 is not to be ignored.

Fight Preview

The war of the words has increased interest in what was already a tasty tussle. An amateur meeting in their youth, which Scarff won, has lit the touchpaper under this fine British and Commonwealth title bout.

Walker has been derogatory about his opponent’s style, claiming ‘Horrible’ Harry uses rough tactics. The Wolverhampton man cites a cut he suffered in their amateur meeting, which he claims Scarff opened with his elbow. 

Meanwhile, Scarff claims Walker has not beaten anyone of significance in his 18 professional fights. Considering the 29-year-old is coming off a win over Lewis Ritson, that feels a little unfair.

But whatever the whys and wherefores, we like a bit of spice in our Lonsdale belt fights. Ultimately, as fun as it is to watch these two trade barbs, the fight itself should be even better.

In an era predicated on protecting the ‘0’ and taking the path of least resistance, these two belting welters have bucked the trend. They have three losses each, but it is a testament to their willingness to take hard fights, rather than an indictment of their quality.

Scarff risked it all at world level in his last fight, losing a decision in a spirited performance against Karen Chukhadzhian. Considering his conqueror fought IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis in his next fight, it shows the level ‘Horrible’ Harry was competing at.

Walker’s most recent defeat also came at a high level. The 29-year-old was outscored by world-ranked Belfast man Lewis Crocker. Like Scarff, Walker hung in there with a contender before succumbing on the cards.

What we have is two fighters to have skirted the perimeter of world class and shown they belong. The winner of this dual-belt showdown will likely find themselves swimming in those deep, lucrative waters again. 

These men are not defined simply by their losses, though those defeats do reflect a come-one-come-all streak of willingness. But both Scarff and Walker have some fine wins to their names.

Scarff’s most impressive scalp was an upset win over the gifted and physical Ekow Essuman to capture the British and Commonwealth straps. Inflicting the first and only defeat of Essuman’s career so far shows the ability Scarff has. The win is even more impressive considering that Essuman’s two victories since have catapulted him into the world rankings.

Perhaps finding some truth in Scarff’s overblown claims about Walker’s record, Ritson is far and away the latter’s best win so far. But before the Crocker loss he did rack up back-to-back stoppages of undefeated pair Cyrus Pattinson and Lloyd Germain.

This is a proper old-school British title fight. Two amateur rivals with a score to settle and abilities that hint they could ascend with a victory. A personal issue and styles that could mesh nicely, with prestigious titles on the line. Bring it on.

Scarff vs Walker Full Card

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Scarff vs Walker Prediction

Scarff does like to live up to that ‘Horrible’ nickname at times. He can box and he can fight, but in bouts like this against smaller men, he can also use his size.

I see Scarff outboxing Walker at distance and using every inch of his 6’1 frame up close. Walker will need energy and endeavour to get anything here. But I feel Scarff’s physical gifts and battle-tested acumen will net him a decision at 6/5.

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