Gervonta Davis Makes First Title Defense Saturday – Floyd Mayweather Jr and his current charge IBF super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis are in London this week for Davis’ first title defense, as he faces Liam Walsh.
On paper, it is a clash of undefeated fighters as Davis (17-0) defends the title he won this past January when he scored a powerful knock out victory over veteran Jose Pedraza against Walsh (21-0).
This match-up represents solid, 21st century matchmaking. The acknowledged best boxer thus far of the 21st century has been Floyd Mayweather Jr and boxing has felt the vacuum of star power since his retirement back in 2015. This is why a great deal of hype follows Davis. Mayweather Jr’s “The Money Team” has a lot of team members and Floyd himself has been hands on with many of the promotions that he has been running with Leonard Ellerbe, but only a handful get Floyd’s personal attention. Floyd was in Davis’ corner when he won the belt in New York City this past January and he has been heavily involved in helping Davis prepare and promote this fight in England. You can bet that Mayweather has recognized the power of the British Boxing market right now and he is working to establish his brand over there. That he is starting to do so with Gervonta Davis on the forefront tells you all you need to know about how high people feel Davis’can potentially reach.
And what makes this fight interesting is that Liam Walsh cares nothing about Mayweather or any of the hype attached to Davis. Walsh has come up through the rugged British boxing system and as stated, British Boxing is at an all-time high right now. Walsh has fought for regional, English, Commonwealth and European titles and a world title shot is the next natural step. Walsh and his camp feel they have paid their dues and that it is Davis who is over-stepping his bounds.
Despite fighting at home where he has a substantial following, Walsh finds himself entering this fight a healthy underdog. Walsh has answered questions about his resume and how he is stepping up to the world class level for this one but a quick look at Davis’ resume reveals careful matchmaking as well. This is the biggest and most challenging fight of Davis’ career as well, without a doubt. Davis will be surrendering height and reach advantages to Walsh but at the end of the day most experts feel Davis will carry the day with his aggression and power. Walsh is a stylish boxer who could make it interesting if the fight goes to the judges score cards.
Gervonta Davis Makes First Title Defense Saturday
The Davis-Walsh world title fight sits at the top of a huge 15 fight boxing card promoted by Frank Warren and his Queensberry Promotions. Several of the action that sees regional titles being contested are appearing at the books as well. The fights air on BT Sport in the U.K. and the Davis-Walsh main event will air on Showtime in the United States as well.
Copper Box Arena – London, England
Super Featherweight 12 rounds –
Liam Walsh +350
Gervonta Davis -440
Featherweight 12 rounds –
Marco McCullough +525
Ryan Walsh -750
Light Heavyweight 10 –
Anthony Yarde -5100
Chris Hobbs +1700
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