Ishmael Davis has had to cram his Riyadh Season experience into six days.
Davis, 13-0 (6 KOs), didn’t have to do hundreds of interviews at the launch press conference. He didn’t get to spend hours in a make-up artist’s chair before shooting a feature film style promotional video and he didn’t get the chance to take part in the obligatory head to head interview with his opponent.
Davies watched all the pre-fight build up at home and then, six days ago, received the call offering him the chance to step in and replace Liam Smith and fight Josh Kelly, 15-1-1 (8 KOs), at middleweight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
Davis certainly made up for lost time at Thursday’s press conference.
“I know what I’m about. There’s no bad blood but I hate people talking down about me,” Davis said, aiming his words directly at Kelly. “‘Oh yeah, I’m training for world level.’ When have you been world level? Never. I believe I’m going there so we’re gonna see because you’re in my way.”
Kelly sat calmly and managed to refrain from taking the bait and responding but Davis clearly felt the need to impose himself. The two couldn’t have had more different routes to this point. Kelly was a member of Team GB, competed at the 2016 Olympics, and was built for stardom. Davis, on the other hand, was a father of twin boys at 14, fell into gang life and flitted in and out of prison. He has, however, dedicated himself to the sport and become something of a breakout star, notching up impressive wins over Ewan McKenzie and Troy Williamson at super welterweight this year.
“Laugh, bro. You’re not cut like me,” the 29-year-old said. “I’m telling you now. I’m fit. I ain’t here for no payday. I’m here because I believe I’m gonna knock you out. You ain’t making it to the twelfth, let me tell you.”
Davis’ rant may have been based on the fact that he has taken umbrage at Kelly’s tone in interviews since he stepped in to replace Smith. But hidden amongst the shouting he did raise one very salient issue which may just point to this being a much tighter affair than some may think.
“I’ve heard Josh Kelly’s interviews; he’s overlooking me. Let me just tell you, his best win is Troy Williamson, who I just beat as well,” he said.
“Every time you’ve stepped up, you’ve been beat. Ray Robinson, you should have lost. David Avanesyan beat you. I’m the most progressive British boxer. No joke. You’re overlooking me but on Saturday night, you’re gonna be in there with hell.
“I dare you to meet me in the middle of the ring. I know what you’re gonna do: hit, move, hit. But I’m gonna be on you the whole way. You’ve never had it like me. You’re overlooking me. Your trainer knows. You can’t train for me. You’ve been training for Liam Smith but you can’t train for my style.”
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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