Liam Davies has wanted to be given the push for a long time.
The 28 year old has torn through the super-bantamweight division over the past couple of years, collecting the British and European titles and scoring a series of exciting knockouts that have improved his rankings with the IBF, WBC and WBA.
Outside of the ring, Davies, 16-0 (8 KOs), has grown in confidence and developed into one of the best talkers in British boxing, and he has become accustomed to playing a major role on Queensberry’s packed Magnificent Seven events.
The time has come for Davies to be given the chance to prove that he can carry events himself and develop into a major headliner.
On November 2 he faces the unbeaten Shabaz Masoud, 13-0 (4 KOs), in a grudge match at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham.
Davies and Masoud were the only people on the stage at Tuesday’s launch press conference. They were positioned in front of a giant backdrop promoting the fight, and the occasion felt like a definite step up for the man from Donington.
Davies knows his worth and will have appreciated that he is being given the opportunity he has wanted for so long, but he always reflects on having to battle his way up from the very bottom of the sport. Instead of becoming complacent, he has adopted the mentality of an underdog ahead of the fight with his old amateur rival.
“Most people don’t know but this goes way back to something deeper than just the fight,” he said. “I couldn’t give a shit about the belt. The belt is irrelevant. This is a fight I need to win. My back’s up a wall and it’s where I fucking love it. I’m ready to go and prove it. Liam Davies against the world. That’s my motto right now.”
The fight was due to take place in July but Davies picked up a virus and was forced to withdraw. Eager to stay busy, Masoud stayed on the card and outpointed Marvin Solano, and a heated post-fight confrontation further heightened tensions between them.
Tuesday’s press conference was respectful but Davies bristled when asked if he believes Masoud can test him, and he was dismissive of the 27 year old’s claim that he will not only win, but make winning look easy.
“I don’t see that,” he said. “I’ve fought every style. I’m shown and proven on big nights. It’s him who’s got the big test, I believe. I’ve fought southpaws; punchers; orthodox; awkwardness. I’ve come through them quite comfortable. I don’t think Shabaz has fought anyone like me yet as a professional.
“No-one’s ever gonna have it easy with me. I know he believes he’s gonna win because we’re fighters aren’t we? We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we were gonna win but he knows it isn’t gonna be easy. I hope he does. I don’t expect it easy. I expect him to give it everything and a tough night.
“That’s what I’m preparing for but don’t be surprised if it’s over in a round or two because my punch power is ridiculous and I’m a good boxer too. I’ve been sparring in big gloves and putting people over. I’m looking forward to getting the little ones on and getting down to business.”
The slick Masoud is talented but inconsistent, although he did beat Davies twice in the amateurs. He spoke confidently about being the more skilful fighter, and believes that his higher boxing IQ will play a significant role in deciding what happens when the first bell rings.
Davies believes that his recent run of early finishes has caused observers to overlook the boxing ability that carried him to wide decision victories over the tricky Marc Leach and the dangerous Ionut Baluta. He understands Masoud’s confidence, but he insists that he is the more well-rounded fighter, and that his finishing ability will prove decisive in the fight.
If he can blow through Masoud, Davies will be a headline attraction for some time to come.
“He’s gonna believe so and I wouldn’t want him to believe anything else,” he said of Masoud’s claims. “Of course, I believe that I’m the better boxer and the fact is that I’m definitely the bigger puncher. It’s not just going to be a boxing match. It’s a 12-round fight. We’re gonna have a fight. It’s the will and who wants it more sometimes. IQ is great but you’ve gotta have the dog in you.
“I’ve shown that I can fold people. It’s not just me being here, being cocky and people take it the wrong way. I’m just saying the truth. When I hit people I can knock them out. Go check my resume. That’s not me being cocky or trying to be arrogant, that’s just me telling the truth. When I hit people, I can knock them out.”
John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79
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