Written by Harvey Hudson
Long-running boxing returned to Leeds on Saturday night (May 25) as Jack Catterall defeated Josh Taylor in their highly-anticipated rematch at the First Direct Arena. Even though there were no out-of-town fighters, the event sold out, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
It showed that the city is still hungry for many more nights, which includes the next home fighter that should be left behind. It's clear what Josh Warrington has done for boxing in the city, selling massive amounts of tickets and packing the arenas with his fans.
In the not too distant future, it may be the turn of Ishmael Davis, who recently signed a multi-fight deal with promotion giant Matchroom. With their push and support, Davis could be on his way to bringing more nights to Leeds.
“Leeds are looking for another big star. Obviously, we still have Josh Warrington, who I believe will do great things again. “I feel like everybody always wants someone to fall behind and I think I'm a career person,” Davis said. Debate News.
Last year, Davis was fighting in the Elland Road Banqueting Suite before taking big fight opportunities with both hands. The support and encouragement of former world champion Sunny Edwards has been invaluable.
However, Davis' “take any fight” attitude helped secure the deal. This was evident by accepting, without hesitation, a 50-50 fight on paper last year against Ewan Mackenzie.
As a quarterback, Davis stopped Mackenzie, who was tough and gave it his all. It was a tough fight until Mackenzie's corner threw in the towel in the eighth round. In his next fight, Davis again made a statement on the DAZN main card scene by beating experienced operator and former British champion Troy Williamson (below).
Sheffield, UK: Ishmael Davis v Troy Williamson, British Super Welterweight Title Finalist
23 March 2024. Photo by Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
What he lacks in ateur experience, he makes up for in his work, tenacity and determination in the ring. And he undoubtedly lives the life of an athlete and has gained the experience of going with the best in the country, in his weight class, over the past few years.
With Davis now mandatory for the British, he has put himself in position to win meaningful titles and make more statements in the pros.
“I'm waiting for Sam Gilley to compete against Louis Greene. Then I will be facing the winner if they want to fight me. Unless they let go of the belt,” he said.
While talking about the Lonsdale belt, which is British, Davis emphasized the importance of this title, and made it clear that it is something he wants to win completely.
“My partner Dalton Smith has shown me the way and I will be eager to follow in his footsteps,” added Davis.
Smith won the Lonsdale belt outright after three successful defenses last July, stopping Sam Maxwell in seventh place.
Davis has touched on his background before boxing in previous interviews, as well as the struggles he has faced throughout his life. He made it clear that boxing changed his life for the better.
“I feel like I'm a completely different person now, it's like I've left my old body and entered a new one,” he explained.
“I have different role models now and I am among people who are doing well and striving to be great. It's a big difference and I enjoy riding and staying humble.
“I believe I was made to do this. You know Bernard Hopkins, he was a born hero and I am like him. He went to jail and then got out and changed his life. Apparently, how long was he world champion? I believe I am capable and willing to do it. I train hard, I'm in the gym, I listen to my coach and I don't really go out. I take this seriously, this game. I believe I will be the next star for Leeds.”
Davis is determined to achieve great things in boxing and hopes his new promotional backing will guide him along the way.
“This is the start of something big and I will be remembered as one of Britain's greatest boxers,” he said.
“I really feel like I'm going to be the best in my division, and I have that mindset where I don't think anyone can beat me.”
Although he wants to achieve great things in the sport, Davis also realizes how long he lives and explains that he wishes to pursue other paths in boxing when he finally hangs up the gloves.
If his first comments at The First Direct Arena on Saturday were anything to go by, one of those ways could be behind the microphone. Co-manager Sunny Edwards shed light on future opportunities and career opportunities after boxing.
“Sunny is a good role model for me and is like showing me the way. He doesn't just think about boxing, he thinks behind boxing. It's what we do, it's our life and I love being there and talking about it and I hope I will in the future,” concluded Davis.
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