By Elliot Worsell
During Frank Warren’s latest “Magnificent Seven” show in Birmingham on Saturday (March 14), 14 boxers engaged in a flurry of punches. However, the most impressive blow came from Liam Davies in round two of a super-bantamweight fight, between the hours of 11 and 12 o’clock, as he delivered a powerful right uppercut.
With utmost ease and without a hint of struggle, Davies delivered a powerful punch that shattered Erik Robles’ jaw, instantly transforming their fight. Although it didn’t bring the fight to an end, it significantly redirected its trajectory. Robles found himself sprawled on the floor, devoid of any determination or aspirations he had carried from Mexico to England just days ago.
In simpler terms, he could sense it all. The precision and force behind the shot were palpable. Unbeknownst to him, its significance extended beyond the present moment. This shot carried a legacy, one that Davies had honed as a youngster alongside his grandad, father, and Andy McFarland at Donnington Boxing Club. As a professional, he further refined it with the guidance of Errol Johnson at Black Country Boxing (BCB).
“That was my toughest fight on paper and the way I did it – the finish and stuff – was the best possible way,” Davies said to Boxing News. “He’s a great fighter, Robles, and had eight knockouts in the first round. He’s a strong Mexican and they come to win. To do it like that is not the way it normally goes, so I was very happy with it. I’ll give myself a pat on the back for it. But I was still on the phone this morning to my great manager Errol Johnson, saying, ‘What are we doing next, man?’ Because I want to know.”
Moreover, there is a growing fascination surrounding Davies and his advancements beyond the confines of the BCB gym. Undoubtedly, as he continues to conclude fights in the manner he did last Saturday, his collection of awe-inspiring moments expands, consequently attracting greater attention. Davies understands the significance of this, as being a super-bantamweight and anticipating global interest is an arduous task.
He stated, “I have demonstrated my strength in defeating these individuals, which only heightens the thrill. While winning is paramount, it is the excitement that attracts a larger audience to the spectacle.”
“I possess the strength and size of a formidable super-bantamweight. Despite sparring against opponents larger than me, I have managed to inflict damage while wearing larger gloves and a headguard,” he confidently stated. “I have complete faith in my power. Surprisingly, I didn’t actively seek the stoppage on Saturday; it occurred instinctively. This clearly demonstrates that my power is inherent, without any need for forced efforts. Such ability is crucial at this competitive level.”
Davies’ ability to generate immense power can be attributed to a clear recipe. “Firstly, I undergo intense training,” he explained. “I engage in heavy lifting to build strength. Additionally, precision and timing play a crucial role. I am highly accurate, ensuring that I execute the moves at the perfect moment.”
The importance of timing cannot be underestimated, whether it is the precise moment to throw a punch or choosing the right opponent. Davies, with the guidance of his manager Errol Johnson, has demonstrated excellent timing thus far. Alongside claiming the British, Commonwealth, and European titles, Davies recently added the IBO super-bantamweight belt to his collection on Saturday night. Although not considered a top-tier “world” title, it still serves as a significant milestone in his career. Winning this belt holds historical significance for both Davies’ amateur gym and his current professional gym.
Davies, who now holds a record of 16-0 (8), expressed, “This is not only a blessing for me but also a wonderful opportunity to bestow good fortune upon deserving individuals. Being the first world champion from BCB and Donnington Boxing Club, which my grandfather established three decades ago, fills me with immense joy. I am truly excited to share this achievement with those who have supported me tirelessly.”
Liam Davies
Davies attributes his remarkable motivation and inspiration to his late grandfather, whom he mentioned in his post-fight interview. Despite his passing, his influence continues to resonate strongly with Davies to this day. His grandad played a pivotal role in shaping Davies into the natural fighter he is today, benefitting immensely from being born into a family deeply ingrained in the world of boxing. Their unwavering dedication to the sport has made it appear effortless for Davies.
“He was a major influence,” he stated, reflecting on his grandad’s impact on his life. “During my younger years, I spent a significant amount of time with him, traveling across the country. Even before I started boxing, I would frequently visit my nan and grandad on weekends. Not only was he a coach, but he also served as a judge. Whenever he had fights to attend, I would eagerly accompany him and return home with Abba tunes playing in my ears. He had a soft spot for Abba. His constant encouragement, saying ‘You can do this!’, would sometimes make me wonder if he was just being biased as my grandfather who loved me. However, he truly believed in me, and his faith in my abilities has truly been an incredible motivator.”
Davies acknowledges the incredible realization of his grandad’s prophecy, but he is far from finished. Instead, he is just embarking on this thrilling journey. He understands that the IBO belt he possesses is not the ultimate world title he desires, nor does it represent the full extent of his capabilities. Furthermore, he recognizes the significance of seizing the moment and capitalizing on his momentum while he still can.
“I’m only getting started,” declared the 27-year-old. “I’m determined to keep pushing forward and there’s a lot more in store for me. I have my sights set on holding onto this belt and conquering new challenges. I anticipate my next fight to be around June or July.”
Rest assured, Liam Davies’ upcoming fight will not be against Naoya Inoue, who is widely regarded as the world’s best super-bantamweight and quite possibly the most intimidating fighter in the sport presently. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that Liam Davies won’t ever face the Japanese star in the future, strategizing on how to defeat him and surprise the world.
“I think it will happen, definitely,” Davies said. “It’s just a question of when. I’m going to continue cracking on until it happens. I’m not focused on just one person. I’m going to focus on myself.
I am confident that I have proven myself as the ideal candidate if Inoue desires to come to this location or if he seeks a worthy opponent to engage in an exhilarating battle. I am fully committed, having nothing to lose and everything to gain. This would undoubtedly be an exceptional fight.
“He’s the best. For me to be able to say I’m the best it’s Inoue that I would have to beat. I understand that it’s a big ask, but I’ve got this mindset that has me believing I’ll go in there and give it my best against anyone. I don’t mind taking a challenge, as I’ve shown, and I’ve got a puncher’s chance against anyone, as well as the skills to go with it. My grandad, who was a big part of me, always said, ‘To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,’ and that’s what I need to do: I need to beat the best. Fights with Inoue are at the top of the tree.
Despite the criticism I may face, it is important to note that those individuals lack a proper understanding of boxing. While I acknowledge Inoue’s impressive performances, I have never been knocked out and I have confidence in my abilities. So why not take the risk wholeheartedly? I have worked hard to reach this position, and I refuse to wonder later on if I could have achieved more. I want to be able to say that I faced every challenge and took on the best opponents. Regardless of the outcome, I will have a sense of pride knowing that I gave it my all.
Ultimately, Liam Davies is motivated by his unyielding self-confidence and fearlessness. He possesses a strong belief in his own capabilities, not only to inflict harm with his punches but also to defeat the most formidable opponents worldwide. This audacity enables him to exhibit inventiveness during fights, surprising rivals with punches from unconventional angles they have never even considered. Moreover, this fearlessness is evident when he openly declares Naoya Inoue as not merely a future opponent, but someone he envisions as his future conquest, leaving no room for doubt.
He repeated, “I have no fear of any of them. We all bleed the same, and I believe I can compete against anyone. Inoue is a respected champion, and I would never show him disrespect. I won’t even bother calling him out or wasting my time. However, what I’m trying to convey is my eagerness to face the top contenders in this division. It’s a close competition between two skilled fighters, and anything is possible.”
