Kurt’s Olympic dream

Walker, who trains at Canal Boxing Academy, Lisburn, recently won his first Ulster Elite title in the Europa Hotel at the first attempt.

The 18-year-old Bantamweight believes he has taken his first step on the road to Rio and to fulfilling his Olympic dream.

Walker, who won silver at the European Youth championships at bantamweight last year, having won 2012 bronze at the World Youth championships, proved too slick for the more experienced Gary McKenna in the Europa and he now has his sights set on the forthcoming Irish championships.

The championships could produce a showdown with Olympic bronze medallist Michael Conlan - depending on the draw - and that is something he would relish.

“I train alongside Mick in the High Performance camp in Dublin. We’re there Tuesday to Friday every week. He’s a great boxer but I think if we boxed I could make it very close.”

Walker added: “It’s important that I do well in the Irish championships because even if I come second it means that I will keep my funding and Mick has the WSB and also he’s talking about going pro after the Commonwealth Games so that would push me forward.

“I want to go to the Olympics in Rio and then turn pro but if I don’t make it to Rio then I want to go to the next Games before turning professional.

“I want to have the experience of the Olympics,” he said.

By the time Rio arrives, Walker could have developed into a featherweight and he feels he could naturally move up another couple of divisions to light-welterweight.

He looks to the development of unbeaten star Carl Frampton for inspiration and hopes for the chance to emulate him one day.

“I’d love to be doing what Carl is doing,” Walker said, “selling out the Odyssey. I get the chance to spar with him on and off because he lives near Lisburn and comes up to the club.

“He’s great to spar with because he’s always looking to teach you, he doesn’t go in to hurt you and obviously I can learn a lot from him.”

Walker’s focus is now on making an impact at the Irish Elite championships, including working with Belfastman Sean McComb, who made the last 16 of the World Championships.

Walker added: “I’m really looking forward to the championships. I got a lot of confidence after winning my first Ulster Elite title at the first attempt.”