Johnny Walker has discussed his plans to transition to the heavyweight division. Walker shared that he has trained and sparred with Francis Ngannou, and even while on a diet with about 20 kg weight difference, he was able to work comfortably with the former heavyweight champion. Walker explained that he would feel much better at heavyweight because his current diet prevents him from training properly. He cited issues such as dizziness and low energy due to lack of carbohydrates as reasons why the weight cut is hindering his performance. Walker believes the move to heavyweight would allow him to train and compete at his best without the physical toll of cutting weight.
Johnny Walker has publicly revealed his intention to leave the light heavyweight division and move up to heavyweight, citing the physical toll of weight cutting as the primary reason for the planned transition.
Walker, 34, currently sits ranked eleventh in the light heavyweight division with a professional record of 22-10. The Brazilian fighter, who trains out of SBG Ireland, is a towering presence at 198 cm tall with an 208 cm reach — measurements that have long made his weight cuts a demanding undertaking. He lands 4.06 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent, numbers that suggest his output could be even greater without the energy drain of dieting down to 205 pounds.
In discussing the move, Walker pointed to sessions alongside former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou as evidence he can compete at the higher weight class. Despite carrying roughly 20 kilograms less than Ngannou during those training exchanges, Walker said he was able to work comfortably alongside the Cameroonian, who stands 193 cm with an 211 cm reach and holds an 18-3 professional record. Walker described the current weight-cutting process as actively undermining his preparation, referencing dizziness and low energy from carbohydrate restriction as factors that prevent him from training at full capacity.
Why it matters
- Walker's size — 198 cm and an 208 cm reach — is imposing at light heavyweight but translates naturally to heavyweight, where frame and length remain assets
- Removing the weight cut could restore the high-output striking that makes him dangerous, potentially unlocking a more complete version of his game
- A move to heavyweight would shake up divisional rankings in both weight classes, opening a spot in the light heavyweight top fifteen while introducing a long, rangy striker to an already volatile heavyweight landscape
