Walters Bigger Not Better, Ready for Lomachenko?

Nicholas Walters, aka the Jamaican "Axe Man" keeps his undefeated record intact 26-0 (21 KO), while his opponent, the heavy-hitting Columbian, Miguel Marriaga falls to 20-1 (18 KOs).

The real drama lied in the fact Nicholas Walters failed to make the 126 contracted weight limit. In what essentially is purchasing a “weight advantage” Walters’ promotors paid Marriaga to not cancel the fight. Video highlights.

Despite Walter’s weight advantage, I was not impressed by his inability to hurt Marriaga. Walters was clearly busier and more accurate with his punches. He pressed the action all fight long. However, at no point in the fight did Marriaga look hurt or on the verge of being knocked out. Even during the 8th and 9th rounds when Marriaga was taking a lot of punishment, he fought back well enough to keep Walters from finishing him.

It just looked as if Walters size was the primary difference between the two fighters.

Marriaga was able to land clean and punishing punches. Walters took them ok, but if he had made weight, I'm not sure those same punches don't do more damage. Also, when Marriaga finally hurt Walters referee Esteves killed his momentum by issuing a warning to Marriaga for a follow up low blow. This break in the action truly benefited Walters as he was given time to recompose himself and not succumb to the Colombian's momentum.

It is likely Nichols Walters will vacate the featherweight division. When he no longer has the size advantage at featherweight, we will see if he's a real champ or HBO hypeman. Plus, I do believe the lucrative fights reside in the 130 pound division (Lomachenko, Salido, Velez, Vargas, etc).

Who's Next For Miguel Marriaga?

The Columbian will have to take a bounce back fight but could be in the mix for future championship title shots. With only 18 fights and 1 loss, there is still some upside. Look for Marriaga to face Nonito Donaire or Puerto Rican star, Jeyson Velez down the road. They are both near the top of the 126 lb division and are also HBO friendly fighters.

What’s Next For Walters?

Since Walter’s dominated the score cards, look for him to fight the hot prospect but unproven Lomachenko. It would be a great match up for both fighters looking to fully challenge themselves.

A Lomachenko and Walters fight would be very technical one, Both olympic stars, I expect the scorecards tob e close but I don't see either fighters taking much risk or knocking eachother out. Lomachenko appears smaller but so I'm not sure how his chin will stand up to a solid puncher like Walters. The question si whether Walter has the skills to outbox the machine that is Lomachenko. I'm not sold that Watlers is a great fight and Lomachenko has a lot of upside but has yet to prove it. It would be a "good" fight, though I can't say it would be a great one based on what is known at this point.