Lexi: ‘She’s our very own Katie Taylor,’ says trainer Carter

Belter…Lexi Walker with Wolverhampton trainer Andy Owen

THIS is the teenage wonder that’s been dubbed “Wolverhampton’s answer to Katie Taylor”.

And with a chuckle Wolverhampton Boxing Club’s Richard Carter said of  multi-titled Lexi Walker: “This one’s taking us to Vegas.”

Lexi, who turned 17 this week, is certainly an amateur phenomenon. At the weekend, in Rotherham, she won the national youth open class championships at 63kilos (9st 12lbs).

That’s the Penkridge teenagers FOURTH national title. She also struck gold in the tri-nations and European championships.

Lexi, whose dad Richard is Wolves under 18s coach, can also see big things on the horizon. She is not lacking in confidence.

“I want to be the best female fighter the world has ever seen,” she told me matter-of-factly. “My goal is to get into Team GB at 18, turn pro when I’m 20 and become a multi-weight world champion.”

That’s some plan.

“I’m fully dedicated to boxing, I love it, it’s amazing. My strengths are my ring IQ and the way I put my combinations together to head and body.

“My favourite fighter is Canelo Alvarez. His head movement is brilliant and the way he breaks opponents down is incredible.”

Lexi joined the Wolverhampton club less than a year ago after a successful career with Wodensborough ABC in Wednesbury.

“I started boxing when I was 11,” she said. “In all, I’ve had 26 fights, 21 wins and the ones I’ve lost have all been to champions, all 50-50, flip of the coin decisions.”

Next challenge for Lexi will probably be this year’s European youth championships. Don’t bet against her bringing back gold.

Carter, who has a successful professional stable, said: “Lexi is a pleasure to coach and I don’t see anything less than the top for her.”

He and his team believe they’ve got the West Midlands’ Million Dollar Baby.