Prediction: Veronica Hardy via Decision
Walker’s tough, no question, but the problem is her style just plays right into Hardy’s strengths. She’s flat-footed, slow to react, and that means she’s going to be walking into clean shots all fight. Hardy doesn’t even need to force the action. Her movement and timing alone will have Walker chasing and eating counters.
Even if Hardy does slow down in the third round, which she sometimes does, it doesn’t really change the dynamic here. Walker’s pressure isn’t the kind that flips a fight around; it’s more of a slow walk forward, and against someone as quick and skilled as Hardy, that’s not enough to steal momentum. Walker can take damage and stay in it, so Hardy probably won’t get the finish, but that just means Walker is going to be there as a target for all three rounds.
This is Hardy’s fight to control from start to finish. Too strong in the clinch, too mobile on the outside, too sharp with the counters. Walker’s durability keeps her alive, but Hardy’s skillset makes it nearly impossible for her to get the upper hand. This looks like a clear Hardy decision where she banks every round and makes Walker look a step behind the whole way.