Nicholas "The Axe Man" Walters, born on January 4, 1986, is a Jamaican professional boxer who has made a significant impact in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions. This article delves into his boxing record, highlighting key moments and analyzing his strengths and weaknesses, particularly in the context of his anticipated bout against Vasyl Lomachenko.
In November 2016, Las Vegas was set to host a major bout in the super featherweight division: WBO champion Vasyl Lomachenko defending against Nicholas Walters.
Walters has emerged as one of the more exciting fighters in the sport in recent years.
Here's a tale of the tape comparison between Vasyl Lomachenko and Nicholas Walters:
| Attribute | Vasyl Lomachenko | Nicholas Walters |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 6-1, 4 KOs | 26-0-1, 21 KOs |
| Height | 5'6" | 5'7" |
| Reach | 65.5" | 73" |
| Weight | 130 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Age | 28 | 30 |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Hometown | Bilhorod-Dnistrovski, Ukraine | Montego Bay, Jamaica |
| Rounds | 64 | 137 |
Nicholas Walters has a big advantage in reach, but Vasyl Lomachenko controls range brilliantly and has negated length advantages before.
Read also: Lapin: A Light Heavyweight to Watch
Although Walters has 20 more professional bouts, quality of opposition is close to even between the two.
Key Moments in Walters' Career
Heading into 2015, Walters was one of the hottest fighters in the sport.
In the 6th round Walters defeated Nonito Donaire in a close competitive fight by technical knockout to capture the WBA World Featherweight Championship.
Walters originally weighed in at 127.4 pounds for his fight against Miguel Marriaga, who weighed in at 125.2 pounds.
Walters was given 2 hours to drop to at least 126 pounds, the maximum limit of the Featherweight division.
Read also: Remembering Francisco Rodríguez
Walters did not succeed, being able only to drop to 127 pounds.
He then moved to 130lbs, where he was held to a draw by Jason Sosa.
Most observers thought Walters clearly won, and the result was controversial.
Walters remained inactive for a year following this fight, before taking on Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Nicholas Walters is an athletic, explosive fighter and a born puncher.
Read also: Inside the Ring with Gary Antonio Russell
His straight right hand upstairs is one of the most dangerous punches in the sport below 135 pounds.
He is good body puncher and can patiently break an opponent down.
Nicholas Walters is an offensive-minded fighter, which often leaves him open to getting hit.
Walters has also seemed less dangerous since moving to 130 pounds.
His most high-profile knockouts were against Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan, great, but aging, fighters who were both very small at featherweight.
The Lomachenko Fight: Strategies for Victory
Nicholas Walters has better length and is probably stronger than anybody Vasyl Lomachenko has so far faced.
To have a chance to win this fight, Walters is going to need to get into position to let loose his right hand.
The straight right is often Kryptonite for a southpaw like Lomachenko.
To do this, Walters is going to need to circle left and get his own lead left foot outside of Lomachenko's lead right.
If Walters can spend significant parts of the fight in that position, he will have a chance to land a big punch.
Walters is also going to need to put in good work to Lomachenko's body.
The best way to counter Lomachenko's exquisite footwork is to beat him up and slow him down.