(Houston) – Travis “The Freight Train” Walker still seething from his controversial loss to T.J. Wilson in October took out his frustrations on Ralph “Wild Wild” West by destroying him in a round and one-half on Thursday, December 6, in St. Louis on a card promoted by Rumble Time Promotions, which will be aired on Fox Sport Detroit and other Fox affiliated networks..
West came out swinging wildly stood toe to toe with Walker during the first minute of the round and both fighters exchanged bombs. West did land a couple of hard left hooks to Walker’s jaw, but Walker showed heart and immediately retaliated with a barrage of his own which ended in West being dropped to the canvas with a hard body shot. In round two, Walker came out blazing landing a series of combinations which resulted in West being dropped twice, once from a hard jab, and the other from a solid right. West could not beat the count from the third knock down and Walker was awarded a KO victory in the second round improving his record to 26W-1L-1D. After the fight, Walker expounded upon his go-for-broke style from the opening bell.
“After the Wilson fight I have vowed never to be in a position to let a referee make a bad call or judge to make a bad call. I am still beside myself that the referee halted my fight with T.J. Wilson just after a few seconds when I know in my heart of hearts I was clear headed, my legs were firmly under me and I was not in any sort of serious trouble. In fact, I think Ralph West hit me more and harder than T.J. Wilson and you see how I responded. When I got my turn I obliterated him and I would have done the same thing to T.J. Wilson if the ref had given me a chance. I know I can’t do anything about the Wilson fight now other than beating Wilson in a rematch and learning a lesson never to let myself be in the position where there is ever a doubt whether a fight should go on. Now that I am back on the winning track I look forward to a rematch with T.J. Wilson early next year.” Walker’s manager, Stephen Munisteri, indicated that Walker should get his wish.
According to Munisteri, “T.J. Wilson has graciously agreed to give Travis a rematch. It is my understanding from our promoter Goossen Tutor that Wilson has already signed a contract with them agreeing to a rematch and we of course have indicated to Goossen Tutor that we are anxious to fight Wilson. Their first fight was the worst stoppage I have ever seen in my 20 years of boxing. I have been with Travis in every fight and I know when he has been hurt and when he is not hurt. He got stung by a couple of good shots from Wilson but was not in any serious trouble. I have seen him in a couple of fights when he has been tagged much worse than that and was shaken worse, and come back to knock his opponent out. There is no doubt in my mind that if the ref hadn’t panicked Travis would have won the fight. I also believe that T.J. knows that was a quick stoppage and because of the controversy surrounding the referee’s action, he knows that the boxing public is not convinced that he was the better fighter that night. The rematch should settle all doubts and the winner of that will emerge as one of the top prospects in the country. It is my understanding that the fight will take place in either January or February with the most likely date appearing to be February 29, 2008.”
Walker went on to say, “T.J. is a nice person and he and I get along outside of the ring great. However, boxing is a business and my business is going to be to knock his butt out the next time I see him.”