Connor Walsh has delivered a strong message to Luke Burns ahead of Kingdom Combat Championships 3 title fight on Feb. 25 in Liverpool, England.
Walsh stands at (5-2) in his amateur career and relishes the opportunity to kickstart 2023 with a title. The bout with Luke has some extra heat on it due to the verbal back-and-forth both men have endured in the lead-up to fight night.
We had the pleasure of speaking with “The Fly Catcher” Connor Walsh ahead of Feb.25. Walsh discussed preparations, his last outing, training in Thailand, and more.
Read the full exclusive interview below.
Interview With Connor Walsh
You’re currently preparing to attain your first title in 2023. Not a bad way to start the year, right? How much time have you had to prepare for Feb.25?
“Yeah, big fight to start the year just how I wanted it. I always look for big fights. I’ve known about three months about this fight we’ll just under, but I’m always training, so I’m always prepared for anything that comes my way.”
I must touch on your last outing at FCC with Tom Wright, now having had months to reflect. What went wrong in there on the night? Are there any positives you’ve taken away from the bout with Wright?
“With Tom, that wasn’t me on the night. It was a good fight, but I know I could do much better. I needed to put a little bit more size on with the fight being at bantamweight, but we knew it would be a tough fight against Tom because he is a top competitor, and it was a good fight for me for the stage I was at. On the positive side of things, in that fight, there were a lot of and one of them being I’m dangerous at that weight to heavy hands in the fight and things like that, but it was not my proudest performance, but it was a good stepping stone for me at that point.”
Connor Walsh Talks Training at Bangtao Muay Thai
You’ve recently spent some time out at Bangtao Muay Thai in Thailand, Phuket. After being there myself and seeing the daily lifestyle and the environment, it’s clear to see why it’s a hotbed for fighters. Talk to me about that experience and how much you gained from training under the Hickman brothers.
“I’ve been to a few places abroad to train now, and I loved them all, but Bangtao was amazing. It blew me away, to be honest. All the coaches gave 100% into you in every session, made us feel welcome as soon as we came to the gym, and I also proved to myself how good I am because of how much I held my own in there with some of the best. It was an unreal experience, not just in fighting but in life. I learned so much about myself being there, and I knew when coming back to fight, I would be 10x a better fighter than I was before going.”
Feb. 25 will mark your first time competing in Kingdom Combat Championships. The show is only newly established but has an incredible vision for success. How have you enjoyed the build-up, the promo videos etc.? They seem to be doing a lot of great things that other regional shows aren’t.
“I couldn’t have asked more from Kingdom. The way things have gone, they have promoted the fight. Any help I needed from them, the whole of the team would be there to help me. It’s shaping up to be one of the best shows in the UK. The way it’s run by good people that want the show to go far. Not many shows to as much media as Kingdom, and it’s crazy because of how early they are in. There are only a handful of shows that do stuff like this, and it’s really good for the fighters to get them ready for the big stage.“
Pre-fight Build Up With Luke Burns
I can’t move on without talking about the “Gloves are off” with Luke. Tell me about that, and where the beef, if any stems from between you pair?
“In my opinion, I thought the gloves were off gone really well, but I think he was nervously shouting his mouth off. I had so many people say it to me that I thought he made a show of himself and proved the person that he is. It will all come back to him after he gets finished on the Feb. 25.“
What are your overall thoughts on Luke as a fellow competitor and the skill set he brings to the cage? Is this a fight you envisioned would happen at some point before you hit the professional ranks?
“I think he’s a good competitor good skill level, but nothing I’ve never seen before. I always knew this fight was going to happen down the line, and it’s about time it did so he can keep that mouth closed.“
On the topic of hitting the pro ranks, I know there’s no rush, but when in your mind are you seeking to take that leap? Are you keen on attaining as much experience as an amateur, or is it on the horizon?
“I’m not really thinking about going pro, to be honest. All I think about is the competition in front of me, and that’s all I can do my coaches will tell me when I’m ready, but you never know what is around the corner.”
Fight of the Night?
Many I’ve spoken to believe Connor Walsh vs. Luke Burns has the potential to be the fight of the night. What type of fight are you anticipating come Feb. 25?
“I hope it is heading to be a good fight. I really do. All I know is that I’ve put 100% into this camp like I always do, and I hope he has to.”
Finally, to end, How does Connor Walsh get his hand raised t Kingdom Combat Championship 3, and any last words for Luke?
“I hope you’re ready, lad. I’m coming to put a pace on.”
Featured Image credits to Kingdom Combat Championship
