Welterweight contender rejects dangerous opponent.
Ekow Essuman is one of the best all-action fighters British boxing has to offer. The Botswana-born welterweight gives viewers value for money in every fight and leaves everything in the ring.
Most recently, he was beaten by Jack Catterall in the first stoppage loss of his career on the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 2 card. The fight previously, though, Essuman had ventured to Scotland to beat hometown favourite Josh Taylor in what was a career-best win.
No matter if he loses a fight, Essuman will always be known as one of the most exciting boxers in Britain, with ‘The Engine’ being an ever-churning machine of fistic malice.
About the only fighter who can rival Essuman’s intensity is Conah Walker, who recently powered his way through Pat McCormack to hand the former Olympian his first defeat.
With Walker’s proposed IBF title rematch against Lewis Crocker being scuppered due to Crocker being ordered to fight Liam Paro, a high-octane fight with Essuman would have made for a fine, fine substitute.
Talks did occur for such a fight, which promised to be an absolutely outstanding affair.
However, it has now been confirmed that Ekow Essuman has pulled out of negotiations.
This was confirmed by Conah Walker himself via his personal Twitter account, who simply stated, “He didn’t fancy it.”
Walker has since stated that Essuman took a separate fight for lesser money, with that other opponent being unknown as of right now.
As far as alternative opponents for Walker, fans have named the likes of Sam Eggington and Paddy Donovan as others they’d like to see. However, Eggington is reportedly set for a European title fight with Milan Prat, while Donovan was recently ordered to fight Karen Chukhadzhian in an IBF final eliminator.
A third name fans have been mentioning, though, is Harlem Eubank, who currently has no scheduled fight. And apart from him, Elliot Whale has also been brought up.
It is understood that Walker’s next opponent is currently being sought after for a Matchroom Boxing card in May, and whoever that man may be, he is in for a rough time.
ESSUMAN TURNS DOWN WALKER❌
Eddie Hearn yesterday confirmed to BoxingScene that Ekow Essuman has turned down a May fight with Conah Walker.
Matchroom will now look for a new opponent for the same date. pic.twitter.com/787u6LSZKF
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) February 21, 2026
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