Light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker has discussed his intention to compete at heavyweight in the future. Walker revealed that he previously trained and sparred with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, and despite being on a diet with approximately 20 kg weight difference, he felt comfortable working with the power puncher. The Brazilian explained that he would feel much better at heavyweight because the weight cut negatively impacts his training at light heavyweight. Walker stated that while dieting he experiences dizziness and low energy due to lack of carbohydrates, which prevents him from training properly. His experience sparring with elite heavyweights has given him confidence that he can compete effectively in the division.
Johnny Walker has opened up about his ambitions to eventually compete at heavyweight, citing the physical toll that cutting weight has on his preparation at light heavyweight.
The 34-year-old Brazilian, currently ranked eleventh in the light heavyweight division, trains out of SBG Ireland and carries a professional record of 22-10. Standing six-foot-six with an 82-inch reach, Walker is already one of the larger fighters in the 205-pound weight class. He lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.06 per minute and connects on 55 percent of his attempts, numbers that suggest a naturally active and accurate striker. Walker explained that dieting down to light heavyweight leaves him dizzy and depleted of energy from carbohydrate restriction, which he says directly limits the quality of his training sessions.
As part of his preparation, Walker revealed he has already been sparring with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Despite carrying roughly 20 kilograms less than Ngannou during those sessions, Walker said he felt comfortable operating at that level. The experience gave him the confidence that he could hold his own among the heavyweights. Ngannou, 38 and from Cameroon, holds an 18-3 record and is rated twelfth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Cameroonian stands six-foot-four with an 83-inch reach and is widely regarded as one of the most physically imposing fighters the sport has produced.
Why it matters
- Walker's size — 198 cm and a 208 cm reach — already edges toward heavyweight dimensions, making a division move physically plausible.
- A full move to heavyweight would remove him from the light heavyweight rankings, reshuffling the contender picture at 205 pounds.
- The style matchup question is significant: Walker's striking output at light heavyweight would be tested against heavier opponents who carry knockout power throughout all five rounds.
