A KNOCKOUT in the second round secured the Amateur Boxing Association welterweight title for Dave Walker at the National Indoor Arena last week.

The Sidcup boxer put the disappointment of losing a final at the Birmingham venue in 1996 behind him, as he dominated opponent Nigel Philpott of Leigh Park Boxing Club, Havant.

Before the bout Walker, 21, from Fisher Boxing Club in Bermondsey, appeared in laid-back mood, donning a personal stereo and mixing with friends in the crowd.

When he entered the ring his coach-load of travelling fans transformed the half-empty stadium, creating a carnival atmosphere.

From the first bell Walker was on the attack, forcing 24-year-old Philpott into the corners. A big right-hand seconds before the end of the round rocked the Hampshire fighter - it was a sign of things to come.

Walker continued in the same vein from the outset of the second and knocked Philpott to the canvas with a straight right. It was then only a formality, as a right cross/left hook combination again floored his opponent and earned Walker the national title.

Afterwards Walker said he was surprised by how quickly he finished the fight. "I felt sharp. But he was a strong boy and he wanted it badly so I thought it would be a five-rounder."

Walker had reached the ABA finals at light welterweight in 1996, losing to Carl Wall from Liverpool's Gemini Boxing Club and this victory must have been sweet.

"I feel good - I've waited a long time for this," he said.

Fisher Boxing Club trainer Steve Hiser was a picture of happiness. "I am delighted. That's the first ABA champion we've had since 1983. David deserves it - he works so hard."

Hiser said Walker is the complete fighter. "He's dedicated and it's obvious he's got a punch. He has timing and speed - he's got a lot and he listens." He said Walker is looked up to by the younger boxers at the Fisher club. "He's a nice kid and very popular. To me they're all champions in my gym."

Walker has been selected for an international against Ireland on March 27, and then the European Championships beckon in May.

Hopefully then he will realise his ambition of representing his country at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia in September.

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