REDLANDS local Brad “The Weapon” Walton has successfully defended his World Bare Knuckle Fighting Middleweight World Title, stopping Ali “The Technician” Elrich in the fourth round of a high-level battle on the weekend.
After needing just 44 seconds to put away Kody Forrester earlier this year, Walton was forced to dig much deeper in his latest title defence, eventually finishing Elrich two minutes and 20 seconds into the fourth round.
Rather than another explosive early finish, the Redlands fighter prepared for a tactical battle against an opponent renowned for his fighting IQ as the contest unfolded almost exactly as his camp had predicted.
“I did think it was going to be a very high-level chess match, and it’s exactly how it panned out,” Walton said.
When the opening finally came, Walton was ready with the shot that ended the contest being the same one he had drilled throughout camp, including during his final pad session before the fight.
“Every single fight is like I’m learning a whole new me,” Walton said.
“This one with the IQ, the person, the level of the fighter I fought, really showed to myself and cemented in my head that I am at that level.”
Behind the successful title defence was an obstacle few outside Walton’s camp knew about, after he suffered a broken toe 48 hours before the fight.
Walton told Redland Bayside News he was awaiting results on a possible rib injury following the bout, although his hands emerged relatively unscathed after four rounds of bare-knuckle fighting.
He credits his defence, experience and understanding of knuckle placement with protecting his hands while still being able to inflict damage to put the contest to bed.
That technical approach was particularly important against Elrich, whose “Technician” nickname reflects the fighting IQ Walton knew he would have to overcome.
“He’s such a high-level fighter,” Walton said.
“I was well aware of how quality and how good his IQ is.
“It was such a great fight.”
While Walton is the one throwing the punches, he is quick to acknowledge the person helping make it possible away from the ring, his partner Ashley.
“I wish I could put it into words,” he said. “The support that she gives me is just unbelievable.
“She steps up, she takes care of the whole family, the kids, the business [Legacy Thai gym], myself, everything.
“I would not be able to do it without her.
“She’s definitely the secret behind all of this magic.”
The victory over Elrich was the second bout of a three-fight deal, although Walton said the details surrounding his third fight were still to be determined while he prepares to travel with the Australian contingent to South Africa in
December for an Australia-versus-South Africa bare-knuckle event.
After a demanding stretch of camps and fights, his priorities are family, his gym and giving back to the community by looking towards a mentorship role and wanting to use his experience to help the next generation coming through.
Walton’s win confirms he has the tools to progress at the highest level.
“I am at that level that I could beat anyone in the world at my weight,” he said.
