By Harvey Hudson
BIG boxing returned to Leeds on Saturday night (May 25) as Jack Catterall defeated Josh Taylor in their exciting rematch at a packed First Direct Arena. Even though neither of the main event’s fighters were from the city, the event was a sellout and the atmosphere was electric.
It shows that the city still craves bigger nights, with the next host fighter coming up behind. It’s clear what Josh Warrington has done for boxing in the city, selling huge numbers of tickets and attracting his supporters to the arenas.
In the not too distant future, it could be the turn of Ishmael Davis, who just signed a multi-fight deal with promotional giant Matchroom. With their push and backing, Davis could well be on his way to delivering more big nights for Leeds.
“Leeds are looking for another big star. Obviously, we still have Josh Warrington, who I believe will still do big things again. I feel like people always want someone behind them and I think I’m the right person for the job,” Davis said. Boxing news.
Just a year ago, Davis was fighting at the Elland Road Banqueting Suite before he grabbed the big fight opportunity with both hands. The support and backing of former world champion Sunny Edwards played a key role.
However, Davis’ “fight anything” attitude was also instrumental in securing the deal. This was reflected by accepting, without hesitation, a 50-50 fight on paper last year with Ewan Mackenzie.
As the away fighter, Davis stopped Mackenzie, who was tough and gave it his all. It was a grueling fight until Mackenzie’s corner was overturned in the eighth round. In his next fight, Davis once again established himself on the DAZN main card slot by defeating experienced operator and former British champion Troy Williamson (below).
Sheffield, UK: Ishmael Davis v Troy Williamson, Last Man Eliminated for British Super Welterweight Title
March 23, 2024. Photo by Mark Robinson Boxing Room
What he lacks in amateur experience, he makes up for in work ethic, grit and determination in the ring. He also certainly lives the life of an athlete and has gained experience competing against some of the best athletes in the country, in and around his weight class, over the past few years.
With Davis now mandatory for the British, he has been pushing hard to win meaningful titles and make further claims at the professional level.
“I’m just waiting for Sam Gilley to fight Louis Greene. Then I will face the winner if they want to fight me. Unless they let go of the belt,” he said.
When discussing the Lonsdale belt, as a Briton, Davis emphasized the importance of the title, making it clear that it was something he wanted to win immediately.
Davis added: “My mate Dalton Smith has shown me the way and I will want to follow in his footsteps.
Smith won the Lonsdale belt outright in three successful defenses last July, stopping Sam Maxwell in the seventh.
Davis has mentioned his background before boxing in previous interviews, along with the hardships he faced throughout his life. He makes it clear that boxing has changed his life for the better.
“I feel like I’m a completely different person now, like I’ve left my old body and entered a new one,” he explained.
“Now I have many different role models and I am surrounded by people who are doing well and striving for greatness. It’s a big difference and I’m enjoying the ride and staying humble.
“I believe I was born to do this. You know, Bernard Hopkins, he’s a born fighter and so am I. He went to prison and got out and changed his life. Obviously, how long has he been world champion? I believe I have the skills and motivation to do it. I work out hard, I go to the gym, I listen to my trainer and don’t really go out. I’m just taking this seriously, this game. I believe I will become Leeds’ next star.”
Davis aims to achieve great things in boxing and he hopes his new promotional support will guide him on this path.
“This is the start of something big and I will be remembered as one of Britain’s greatest fighters,” he said.
“I really felt like I was going to be the best in my division and I just had the mindset that no one could beat me.”
While he wants to achieve great things in the sport, Davis also recognizes its longevity and explained that he wishes to take other paths in boxing when he eventually hang gloves.
If his first commentary session at The First Direct Arena on Saturday is anything to go by, one of those avenues could be behind the microphone. Co-manager Sunny Edwards sheds light on future opportunities and the gateway to a new career after boxing.
“Sunny is a huge role model for me and he is showing me the way. He not only thinks about boxing but also thinks about after boxing. It’s what we do, it’s our lives and I love being out there and talking about it and I hope I can do that in the future,” Davis concluded.
