Johnny Walker has announced intentions to transition to the heavyweight division. He cited his training and sparring experience with Francis Ngannou, noting that despite a 20kg weight difference while on a diet, he was able to work comfortably with the former heavyweight champion. Walker explained that he would feel much better at heavyweight because dieting negatively affects his training, causing dizziness and low energy due to insufficient carbohydrates. He believes the move would allow him to train more effectively without the constraints of weight cutting.
Johnny Walker has revealed he intends to leave the light heavyweight division behind and compete at heavyweight, citing both physical comfort and training performance as the driving forces behind the decision.
Walker, 34, currently sits ranked 11th in the light heavyweight division and carries a professional record of 22-10. The Brazilian trains out of SBG Ireland and presents a physically imposing frame even for 205 pounds, standing six-foot-six at 198 cm with an 82-inch reach. Despite those dimensions, Walker says the weight-cutting process has taken a real toll on his preparation, leaving him dizzy and depleted from insufficient carbohydrate intake. He believes competing at heavyweight would allow him to train at full capacity without those constraints dragging down his sessions.
To support his case, Walker pointed to sparring rounds with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Even while dieting and giving away roughly 20 kilograms to Ngannou, Walker said he was able to work comfortably with the Cameroonian, suggesting his natural size translates well to the heavier division. Ngannou, now 38, holds an 18-3 record and stands six-foot-four at 193 cm with an 83-inch reach, making him one of the more physically formidable measuring sticks any fighter could choose for that kind of test.
Why it matters
- Walker's natural size — 198 cm, 208 cm reach — could make him a genuine heavyweight threat if his output carries over; he lands 4.06 significant strikes per minute at light heavyweight with 55 percent accuracy.
- A move would remove him from a crowded and deep 205-pound division where he currently ranks 11th.
- The style matchup question shifts: Walker's striking volume and submission attempts would face heavier, potentially slower opposition at heavyweight.
